Championship side Ipswich Town are the first to agree a match with Gillingham this summer.

The Tractor Boys narrowly missed out on a place in the play-offs this season and are sure to give Peter Taylor’s team a tough work-out at Priestfield.

Gillingham have yet to officially confirm the fixture but it’s expected to take place on Saturday, July 26 – two weeks before the start of the new season.

Arranging the pre-season fixture list has been one of the many things of Taylor’s agenda this week.

“This is why I wanted to push to get things done (with a new contract),” said Taylor, who is good friends with Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy.

“I could have booked something for the next manager and he might not have wanted them. I am the manager and we will get booking them now.

“I imagine Elliot Hewitt (who was on loan last season with the Gills) will be playing and I think Ipswich is a really good friendly. I know they played them last year but to play Ipswich, it’s a good game.”

Cody McDonald scored for the Gills when they met Ipswich Town last year in a friendly match at Priestfield.