by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Martin Allen has a message for League 1: “Watch out – we’re coming to get you!”

Shortly after wrapping up the League 2 title Allen, pictured, was already looking forward to an assault on the next level.

He said: “League 1 is average. There are some big teams in there and there are some big teams coming down from the Championship who will be scared stiff of playing us in our first game because we will be so strong and powerful, on and off the field.

“We will move forward and people will fear playing Gillingham, there is no doubt about it.”

Cardiff were promoted to the Premier League on Saturday – just 12 years after winning promotion from the bottom tier of English football – and Allen isn’t setting a limit on how far the Gills can climb.

He said: “I do need some time now to get the team together, build for next season and I do want to challenge and continue the roll we are on.

“Norwich went through from Division 1 to the Premier League and so did Southampton. Clubs have done it. Millwall have gone from here (League 1) to the Championship and challenged for the Premier League.

“I don’t think we should set our vision or our future any less or any lower."

Don't miss nine pages of Gills coverage in Monday's Medway Messenger.