Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson believes he is ready for the Championship – and he wants to be there in Gillingham colours.

Nelson is one of several senior professionals aiming to win a new deal for next season and the 32-year-old has no desire to quit Priestfield.

He said: “I don’t want to leave this club. I feel my career has progressed every year and the pinnacle of my career has been the 18 months I have been here. Why would I want to go anywhere else?

“I want to play in the Championship and push myself to the next level because I feel I am ready. What better way to play in the Championship than to play at this club, that’s the way I see it, so why would I want to leave?

“The foundations are here for the Championship and it is a great club. We have fantastic facilities and the foundations have already been laid.”

Nelson turned in a man-of-the-match performance last week at Brentford and has played every minute of every game so far for the Gills this season.

He believes the backing from the club’s fans have helped him to keep turning in consistent performances.

He said: “Confidence is massive but that comes through enjoyment and how can I not play well when I am at a club like this? The support I get off the fans is second to none. I go out and enjoy every minute when I play in a Gills shirt. That shows in my performances.