Gillingham’s togetherness has helped them punch above their weight.

That’s the view of boss Justin Edinburgh as they head into their Boxing Day clash at Swindon.

The Gills are third in League 1 and fighting for a promotion place.

A year ago the club were fighting off the threat of relegation.

Edinburgh said: “It is a fantastic achievement, so far, but something to be extremely proud of as a club.

“We reach the halfway point at Swindon and it’s fantastic to be there.

“We all know we are massively over-achieving but now we are there we want to maintain it and continue to do what we are doing.

"This group of players, with their enthusiasm and drive in training every day, are a joy to work with and they are carrying that onto the pitch.”

Reflecting on the club’s turnaround in form, he said: “I came in after the boys (the caretaker management team) had steadied the ship. Recruitment in the summer was key and I think we got the right ones in.

“We spoke about the squad not being diluted and that we would go for quality.

"Maybe, being young myself, I can get onto the same level as the players, they are a young group and that has something to do with it.

“David Kerslake coming into it (as assistant manager) has been a real big plus, he has been excellent and Steve Lovell is still here. The coaching team, with Jimmy Walker coming in, is a settled one and one the players respond to.

“I think what we have put in place, in terms of discipline, the dynamics and the standard of training, I feel the tempo has risen and I think it is a real good group.

“There is a lot of togetherness, a lot of trust and there are the things that will play a major part if we are to be successful.”