Mark Bentley has been appointed Gillingham club captain after making a big impression on manager Mark Stimson.

The 30-year-old has been at the club for two years and he fills the void left by Ian Cox, who quit the Gills before the end of last season.

Andrew Crofts retains his position as skipper of the side but will now have an experienced campaigner to support him.

“I’ve been really pleased with Mark and his attitude and because of that I’ve made him club captain,” said Stimson.

“His attitude was spot on and he has a lot of experience. The new boys have come here and he’s bonded well with everyone.

“He’ll work alongside Andrew Crofts. Sometimes if there’s a problem it’s better if there are two of them if they need to come and speak with me. It’s quite an important role and he’ll have another view, and it’s nice to get an experience view. Crofts is young while Mark has been around the block.”

One thing impressing Stimson is Bentley’s willingness to convert from midfield to central defence for the new season.

Stimson said: “Mark has played in training games at centre half and he’s done really well as he did in the last game of the season at Leeds.

“He’ll figure in the first three games of pre-season at centre half and we’ll make an assessment then.”