Simon King believes Gillingham are going places under manager Mark Stimson and the club’s ambition was key to the defender signing a new three-year deal.

Last season’s player of the year committed himself to the Gillingham cause by signing the longer term deal and he has no doubts that the club can become a force to be reckoned with.

King said: "There has been a vast improvement in the squad and that was a big factor that helped persuade me.

"The gaffer has brought in some exciting players and I enjoy playing here. It was also a massive factor going into League 1 and looking at the standard of teams we’re going to be playing I just wanted to be part of it.

"This club is going in the right direction and we’re hoping we can kick on again and challenge in the top half of the table.

"The club has shown its potential with the massive following we had at Wembley."

King signed for the Gills in June 2007 under the management of Ronnie Jepson but the season ended in relegation. After making an immediate return to League 1 under Stimson, King now feels the club are better equipped to make a challenge.

"We’ve got a lot better chance of doing well in League 1 this time," he said.

"When I signed the club were in a transitional stage.

"Last season’s promotion will bring confidence into our game. We know it’s going to be tough and people are calling it the mini Championship but there is nothing for us to be scared of.

"We are capable of playing some good stuff and have some exciting young players. We’ve got the belief in the squad to challenge at the top.

"There is always a surprise package in the division and teams might not be concentrating on us and that could benefit us. We’ve got quality in the squad now and have more than enough to deal with the teams in League 1.

"We know that whereas in League 2 you could afford to have four or five players not on their game, we can’t get away with that in League 1 and we need nine, 10 or 11 players bang on it.

"We’re confident we can handle it, although we know it is going to be tough and we’ll have to work hard. It won’t be a stroll in the park."