NEW Gillingham defender Simon King is keen to make friends fast having started pre-season training at the club.

The 24-year-old, who cost £200,000 from Barnet, said: "I want to settle in and build a strong bond with my fellow centre-half. You've got to gel with the other players.

"I need a fresh start and a new challenge and this will be a chance to further my football career."

* See Friday's Medway Messenger for the full story.