NEW Gills signings Mark Bentley and Duncan Jupp are aiming for back-to-back promotions after quitting Championship new boys Southend.

The pair turned down one-year deals at Roots Hall for an extra year’s security at Priestfield and they’re both convinced of Gillingham’s promotion credentials for the coming season.

Bentley, a 28-year-old midfielder, said: "If we get a good squad together who want to work hard for each other there’s no reason why we shouldn’t get promotion."

Experienced right-back Jupp, 31, was also keen to taste promotion once more.

He said: "This is a new challenge for me. I don’t see why we can’t go up because the league is so open.

"It’s quite direct in this league and I expect to win quite a few headers. It’s a bit of a battle out there but that’s all part and parcel of it."

Joining the pair on Monday, also on a two-year deal, was 20-year-old striker Dean McDonald, who has just completed his first season as a professional with Ipswich.

"The gaffer sold the club to me and I’ll be trying to help get them into the Championship," the former Arsenal apprentice added.

Read the full story in Friday's Medway Messenger.