Chris Whelpdale has backed Gillingham to continue their upwards surge once he and fellow Peterborough loanee Charlie Lee have departed.

Whelpdale, pictured, and Lee are primed to return to parent club Peterborough after Saturday’s visit to Macclesfield, despite the Gills’ desire to keep them longer.

Peterborough boss Gary Johnson has declined the Gills’ plea of extending the loan arrangement between the clubs and Whelpdale, who was voted by KM Group readers as player-of-the-month for November, believes he will be leaving a club on the up.

"I definitely think the club can achieve something and they’ve got the players to do it, especially when you see those coming back from injury," said the 21-year-old.

"There are some good players there and they definitely have a good chance this season.

"We had experienced being down the bottom with Peterborough the previous season but the atmosphere at Gillingham was 10 times better than we had experienced before. All of the lads stick together and there is a great spirit.

"If you’ve got that then you can achieve something in this league."

Do you agree with Chris Whelpdale, or do Gills need more new faces this season? Have your say in our comments section below.

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