Chris Whelpdale expects Gills’ pre-season work to pay off in League 1.

The midfielder played the second half at Ashford on Saturday and is ready for a tough few weeks as boss Martin Allen prepares his League 2 champions for the next level.

Whelpdale said: “It was all about getting minutes under our belt. It was the first 45 minutes for everyone since the summer and it was getting our legs used to it again and it went well for us.

“The last 10 minutes I felt it a bit. I felt the lungs had it but the legs didn’t have that muscular fitness of last season but I’m sure I’ll get there.

“I looked after myself. I’ve been away on holiday a bit and relaxed a lot but at the same time you’ve got to watch what you eat and go out and keep your base fitness there.

“That’s what I’ve been doing and hopefully I come back and do myself justice.

“I quite like the fitness side of football. A bit of hard graft in pre-season and you get the benefits in the season come the last 10 minutes of a game.”

Whelpdale is pleased to see striker Antonio German return to Priestfield after a successful spell on loan from Brentford last season.

He said: “I didn’t have a clue what was going on. I switched off completely over the summer and I didn’t know what was happening but it’s good to see him back.”