Gills manager Martin Allen has vowed to shed a few pounds as a show of solidarity with his players.

The team has been told they must get in shape before the start of the season next month, so Allen has put himself on a diet too.

He has got to lose six pounds – but won’t reveal his target weight.

He said: "The weight loss has been painful. Carrots, kiwis, apricots, yogurts, cereals and cereal bars. But I will get there.

"I did a 15-mile bike ride on Sunday and a three-mile run and completed the triathlon by soaking in the bath for half-an-hour before the golf came on the TV and then I was glued to the sofa.

"The players have done it and I will be training again in the week and we will see how it goes but I will get it."

He added: "It’s good though. If I ask the players to do it I should do it as well.

"It’s been good fun and I have actually enjoyed it. It’s part of my commitment to the players."