Gillingham keen on glamour friendlies as they shape their pre-season schedule

Gillingham’s pre-season fixture list could include higher-level opponents.

Negotiations were continuing last week to try and arrange a home friendly against top-flight opposition, while boss Neil Harris could also be taking his team to a Championship side for a behind-closed-doors match.

Four friendlies have already been confirmed, with Harris wanting six to ensure his team are prepared for the start of the League 2 campaign on July 30.

Those Saturday games already announced are at Folkestone (July 2), Dover Athletic (July 9) and National League Southend United on July 23, while League 1 Portsmouth will visit Priestfield on Saturday, July 16.

Gills XI games have also been arranged for Deal Town (Tuesday, July 5), Steve Lovell’s Ramsgate (Saturday, July 16) and Chatham Town (Friday, July 22).

“All six won’t be in front of fans,” confirmed Harris. “The one away from home against a Championship opponent is in a fantastic environment for me and the players, and the sixth should be a good game, here at Priestfield, but we are just finalising it at the moment.

“I am delighted with the planning we have got for pre-season. Delighted with how the staff are taking shape, the players we have got in the building and how they are looking, delighted with how the academy is coming together and how we are set for pre-season.

"It is now purely about player recruitment.”