Mark Stimson was encouraged by his players' attitude after an 18-strong group reported back for early pre-season training.

Just a month after losing their League 1 status, Gillingham were back on the training field and nobody was happier than the Gillingham manager.

Stimson sat back as fitness trainer Danny Ellis put the players through their paces in a bid to hit League 2 with a bang.

He said: "The last time I saw the players they were disappointed but on Tuesday it was nice and lighthearted, and afterwards the players had rosy cheeks and were blowing.

"We had a terrific number. We didn't do anything mad, it was just about getting their bodies in condition, so that in July we can up the ante.

"They were all in reasonable shape and looking good. The next three or four weeks are all about fitness."