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Playing the matches is the enjoyable part of Gillingham’s tough pre-season schedule.
That’s the verdict of defender Barry Fuller as the Gills continue to work on their fitness ahead of the League 1 season opener against Doncaster on August 3.
Gills completed a four-day training camp near Colchester before facing Folkestone on Saturday.
They will continue to work hard on the training ground ahead of Tuesday's trip to Dartford before the quality of opposition steps up with the weekend double-header against Charlton and Millwall.
“All the hard work is towards these games but the games are used as fitness,” said Fuller. “Obviously, (we’re) trying to put a picture in the gaffer’s head.
“It’s always tough when you’re working hard on the training ground but these are the enjoyable bits.
“We’ve been working really hard and the boys’ fitness levels are going up as we gradually prepare for the start of the season.
“I’m really enjoying it. That’s the whole point at my age, that’s the positive. When you come to the point when you’re not enjoying it then you’re probably looking at the end of my career!”
Fuller believes the squad bonded during their training camp and he also disclosed that the new Gills boss used the time away to start getting across some of his messages.
“The gaffer put some tactical things together over how he wants us to play but it was nice to get together and spend a few days as a team,” added Fuller.
“There’s a lot of new signings so we got to know the boys a bit more and have some time together.
“It’s not really early when it’s a new manager and a lot of new faces. It wasn’t too much that we worked on, it was telling us gradually how he wants it and then towards the end of pre-season we start putting that into action and into the games.
“He’s really good. He’s demanding and that’s what a young group needs. To kick us on we need a head and a leader to be like that. Hopefully we can have a positive season.”
Fuller is likely to get an hour under his belt against Dartford before the players look to get 90 minutes under their belts at the weekend.
“The gaffer said before the game (what he was going to do),” said Fuller.
“We’ve got to prepare right and Tuesday will be the first 60 minutes (so far) for those boys.
“It will be tough but it is good to get some minutes under our belt.
“Minutes and fitness and trying to impress, everyone is fighting for their shirt for the third of August.”
Fuller has been impressed by the summer signings made by Evans and believes Gills will be easy on the eye this season.
“There’s some real good footballers, they are all good on the ball and comfortable,” he added.
“We look like we’re going to pass the ball quite a bit, we’re all athletic and there’s a lot of youth in there.
“It looks promising and hopefully we can have a positive season.
“A lot of the players have impressed me. I like the look of Matty Willock, he is strong, positive and direct.
“Mikael (Ndjoli) looks like he is going to score goals. All the boys have settled right in and there’s a lot of competition for places.”
