Confidence will be key for the Gills next season says their German defender Max Ehmer.

He believes they are capable of much more – if they can just believe it.

The Gills finished 13th last season and hopes are high of mounting a play-off charge under new boss Steve Evans.

Ehmer said: “You look back and always think you could have done better, everyone could.

“We stayed up comfortably in the end and with a bit more luck in terms of injuries and suspensions we could have been a lot higher in the league.

“We know what the boys here are capable of, those that will be here next year, the likes of Brandon Hanlan and Regan Charles-Cook. We’ll all be excited once we’re back in.

“We showed what we could do last year, we beat Portsmouth home and away, not many teams can say they’ve done that and it shows what we are capable of. I am definitely optimistic for this season.

“It is a belief thing and you would be surprised, some of the teams that you come up against, player for player I wouldn’t say are much better, it is a confidence and belief and consistency thing.

“Everyone around the club just needs to have a bit more confidence and believe in ourselves more because we are a good side. We have shown that on numerous occasions, home and away.”

• Evans favourite for the Doncaster job
• Gills captaincy up for grabs

Ehmer has passed the 200-appearance mark for the Gills and captained the club in the absence of injured Gabriel Zakuani.

Zakuani hopes to be fit for the start of the campaign and had a grin at the news that Ehmer wants the captain’s armband for keeps.

“I did enjoy it (being captain),” said 27-year-old Ehmer, who manager Evans has said is up for consideration to take the honour.

“Before it wasn’t really my cup of tea, but now I feel it suits me a lot more. Of course I would like to keep it, although that is not a decision for me.

“It will be down to the new manager, the chairman, whoever they want to put in but I have really enjoyed it.

“We have many captains in there, though – just because you have the armband doesn’t mean you are the only captain. We have other leaders around the place with Barry Fuller and Gabs in there.

"Everyone has to be a leader whether you are captain or not.”

Ehmer is clearly well thought of by Evans and his team-mates.

Player-of-the-year Bary Fuller gave him a ringing endorsement at the end of the season, having voted him as his own star man in the players’ poll.

“I think Max was immense all season,” said experienced campaigner Fuller.
“He is a big character and my vote wasn’t just about the football. He is a big influence in the dressing room.”

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent