by Luke Cawdell

Kevin Maher (pictured) is relishing the chance to add some much-needed experience to the Gillingham side next season.

The 32-year-old signed a two-year deal for the Gills last week to end a long hunt by manager Mark Stimson for his signature.

"I was delighted to sign and I’m just looking forward to getting started now," he said. "After speaking with the manager, it looks like this club is a good place to be.

"I’ve got a fair bit of experience and I know the league inside out. I’ve been playing league football for quite a while now and I know what it’s about. With so many young lads here, I’m looking forward to them keeping me on my toes.

"I don’t mind the responsibility and the older you get it’s something you take onboard and hopefully I can help out some of the young lads."

One thing that has impressed Maher is the team spirit within the Gills squad and he feels that could take them a long way.

"The team spirit is there and the group have come a long way together," he said.

"After the disappointment of relegation they’ve bounced back and shown what character they have. It’s always tough when you get relegated but to bounce back is great credit to the lads.

"It looks like that team spirit is already in place and there are some good, hungry players in the team who are desperate to improve. The team have come a long way."

Maher joined the Gills on loan at the end of the 2007/08 season but last season opted for a move to League 1 side Oldham despite plenty of interest from Stimson.

Explaining his decision to join Oldham last year, Maher said: "I wanted to play at the highest level I could, and I wasn’t young enough to be able to afford to drop down a division."