Billy Bingham and Alex Lacey will be "like two new signings" for Gills boss Steve Lovell.

Both returned fit for pre-season training last week after a frustrating first season at the club.

Midfielder Bingham, 27, was restricted to 10 appearances and played his last game in October, while 25-year-old central defender Lacey played only 13 games after knee problems held him back.

It could now be a big season for both.

Lovell said: “Both had injuries last season and it is like having a couple of new signings. They have trained well and look fit and healthy and hopefully it will continue. I was happy to see Billy and Alex back with the rest of the boys on the training ground.

“Alex is a good player and was dying to get into the team at the end of last season but we couldn't quite get him in there.”

Lovell also rates Bingham highly but there will be plenty of competition for midfield places.

Dean Parrett is one of the summer recruits who shouldn’t need much easing in after playing League 1 football for the past two seasons with Wimbledon.

“Whenever he played against us, he stood out,” Lovell said.

“He's an intelligent player, mobile, a forward-thinking player who works hard. He has played quite a lot of games in League 1 and League 2 and he is at an age now where he should be pushing on. Hopefully, he will do that with us this year.”

Fellow newcomers Regan Charles-Cook and Josh Rees are stepping up a level but Lovell is confident both can shine.

He added: “When you sign players they are gambles, even at the highest level. I am excited because I know these players, what they can do, their characters and how hard they want to progress this football club and themselves.

"All of those ingredients bode well for the start of the season.”