Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh believes the club’s fans can help them get their season off to a flyer.

His side face two trips to Southend in the opening four days of the 2016-17
season.

The Gills get their League 1 campaign under way at Roots Hall on Saturday, August 6 before returning days later in the first round of the League Cup.

Last season almost 2,000 Gills fans descended on Southend for the league clash, with Edinburgh’s side still chasing a promotion spot.

Edinburgh hopes the Gills will be well backed again in the early-season double.

He said: “They are two opening games that the fans will like as there isn’t a lot of travelling. You always want to be at home in your first league game, which we aren’t but we are going to a place which last year felt like a home game.

“The fans made it like a home game and I am sure being the first game of the season it will be similar.

“It’s a short trip, there is a nice little rivalry there and I am sure we will take good followings to both games, albeit against the same opponent in the space of four days.”

Now the fixtures have been released, clubs have 10 days to request any changes to
kick-off times, including moving games to a Friday night or a Sunday. Only then will they be finalised.