GILLINGHAM open their new League 1 season with a trip to Cheltenham on August 11.

It will be the first time the Gills have started on the road since relegation from the Championship, with fans having to wait until the second week of the season for the opening game at the krbs Priestfield stadium.

Tranmere make the trip to Kent on August 18 and the month is completed with a trip to Luton the following Saturday.

There are Tuesday night visits to Crewe (December 4), Tranmere (January 29) and Doncaster (March 11), while the Gills are at home to Southend on Boxing Day and away to Leyton Orient on New Year's Day.

Gillingham fans will have to wait until the last game of the season, May 3, for their visit to Leeds United's Elland Road.

The draw for the first round of the Carling Cup sees Gillingham travel to Watford, who were relegated from the Premiership last season, with the match scheduled for Tuesday, August 14.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Priestfield every Monday and Friday in the Medway Messenger.