Chris Whelpdale believes Gillingham’s team spirit will help them compete in League 1.

There’s a genuine feeling of togetherness among the squad at Priestfield as the club return to the third tier of English football after a three-year absence.

Midfielder Whelpdale said: “There’s a big buzz in the camp and last year it was exactly the same. The morale’s there and that’s one of the factors that get you through a season.

“If it’s not there, you can have little cracks in the team. Everyone’s going to back each other on the pitch and off the pitch as well. It’s great for the team to have.”

Whelpdale has played in League 1 before with Peterborough and knows what it takes to do well. He’s been encouraged by Gills’ work in pre-season despite mixed results in friendlies.

He said: “We’ve had a good pre-season and worked hard. The team’s gelling together and we’re all looking forward to the first game against Colchester.

“The preparation’s there, the boys are ready and we can’t wait to start. We’ve got a few big teams who’ve come down from the Championship and everyone’s looking forward to playing in those games."