The search for new recruits is under way at Priestfield and boss Martin Allen believes the work done on and off the field last season is helping.

Gillingham boss Allen returns from a break this week but will immediately be seeking meetings with chairman Paul Scally to discuss budgets and the players he wants to sign.

The Gills have already been linked with numerous players, including Port Vale defender Daniel Jones and Cheltenham’s Marlon Pack.

Winning League 2 has made the Gills an attractive proposition, as is the way Allen believes the club have worked with players during the last year.

He said: “This is a big club and I think we have made fantastic strides forward, on and off the field, and the players who have been here on loan wanted to come back.

“The players who have already been here on loan have been happy and I have medals for just about everyone that has played for our club.

“The word goes around. We do try our best to treat players properly and with respect, and look after them.

“We expect them to be good professionals and it is a club that people want to come and play for. I must have already had about a million calls from different agents.”