Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has insisted that this week’s trip to France will be key to lifting the doom and gloom of last season’s relegation.

The club head across the channel on Thursday before playing Calais two days later, and Hessenthaler (pictured) is keen to restore the feel-good factor to his squad.

The Gills boss could take as many as 21 players on the trip and is keen that they gel off the pitch as well as on it.

"It’s a team bonding exercise, a fitness exercise and time away from the training ground," said Hessenthaler.

"It’s always good to get away for a few days. They didn’t have much togetherness off the pitch last season and it’s something that I like doing."

"When I was at the club before we had different events that we would go to and be part of. We’ll go out and have a drink, within reason.

"They are down a little bit (after relegation) and we need to try and get that positive (feeling) back in the squad. That’s what pre-season is all about and going away will help that."

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