A packed Priestfield is expected for the season opener against Colchester on Saturday.

And Gillingham boss Martin Allen knows the fans are going to play
their part from day one.

He said: “It’s easy to play when it’s all going well, it’s easy to
sing when it’s all going well and it’s easy to manage when it’s all
going well.

“It’s when the testing times come along and without a doubt they do
come along, that you have to lead from the front, help and support
your players and get behind them.

“The biggest game of last season, I will never forget, was the
Plymouth home game. It was a Tuesday night and we had lost our
previous match, at home against a team towards the bottom.

“It’s when the chips are down, when it’s not going so great, that’s
when you really need your supporters, that’s when you see the
character of the people you’ve got. It’s the same with the staff and
the players.”

Colchester, managed by former Gills player Joe Dunne, are sure to
bring a sizeable crowd themselves to Priestfield.

Gillingham’s only injury concern ahead of the match is that of forward
Myles Weston, who has missed the last four senior pre-season matches
with a hamstring concern.