Gillingham defender Logan Dobbs speaks about the experience and leadership that former St Johnstone and Motherwell centre-back Liam Gordon has brought to the team

New signing Liam Gordon "doesn't shut up" – and that's exactly why Gillingham youngster Logan Dobbs believes he's already proving such an important addition.

The 19-year-old academy graduate is hoping to force his way into Gareth Ainsworth's first-team plans this season and has used pre-season as a chance to learn from those ahead of him in the pecking order.

Dobbs has featured off the bench against Charlton Athletic, Millwall and Brentford B, while captaining a youthful Gillingham side in Friday night's 1-0 defeat at Chatham Town.

While competition for places remains fierce, the youngster says the guidance he's receiving from senior professionals, particularly summer signing Liam Gordon, experienced Omar Beckles and fellow defender Andy Smith, is helping accelerate his development.

"I look up to Gords [Liam Gordon], Becks [Omar Beckles] and even Smudge [Andy Smith]," said Dobbs. "I've learned a lot outside of football as well but the leadership they [Gordon and Beckles] both bring to the team is really helpful.

"Liam's brought a lot of talking. I've never really played with someone who doesn't shut up, to be honest. But he brings a lot of leadership. And on the ball, he's a real good footballer.

"Liam Gordon, Becks and Smudge, they all come over to me and say what I can improve on [after games and training]. Like [last Tuesday] they came over, mentioning little things I can improve on.

"It's become a real team at the moment. We're really helping each other, even in the good and the bad. It's really helpful.

"Even if we're sitting having lunch, they come over and [they give me] little tips and we'll look at clips. Just little things that we can do to improve. Or even I'll go to them. It might not be defenders, it might