DANNY SPILLER has stated his personal ambitions to help take Gillingham to their best ever league position next season.

Last season's player of the year is looking forward to what should be a great year for himself and the club.

The 23-year-old midfielder said: "If we keep the squad as fit as possible and free from injury we will definitely be a top half team. Hopefully, I'll have another good season and who knows maybe one day Gillingham will get into the Premier League."

Spiller returned to pre-season with a little more weight as he aims to establish a presence in the physically-demanding division. He added: "I've been trying to put a little bit on and get myself as strong as possible."

Like many in the squad, Spiller has had his share of injuries but believes the new training set-up will help keep him and the rest of the team away from the treatment table.

"We've brought in some new staff that know a lot more about the body and how to look after ourselves. Hopefully it will knock the injury list in half. Behind the scenes, we've been working really well as a team. It's very professional now."

Spiller has been working with physio Simon Webster in an effort to avoid any further problems with his hamstring and he has appeared in both pre-season matches so far.

Although his performances last season earned him plenty of praise, he knows that his place in the team is by no means guaranteed.

"This season is a new beginning and hopefully I'll be in the starting line-up. I wouldn't bank on it but it would be nice to be out there."

As for the constant transfer speculation, Spiller hopes to draw a line under it.

"We want to clear our minds of it and concentrate on the season coming up this year. I'd be happy to stay at Gillingham because I'm Gillingham through and through.

"I've got all my friends and family here and it's a good club, all the players and staff here are different class."