Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has a squad that is “90 per cent his own” and knows that will come with added pressure

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says he's ready for increased scrutiny this season — declaring: "Bring it on!"

A major summer overhaul of the squad has enabled Ainsworth to add more of his own signings to the squad. He’s said all along that he wants to be judged on a team of his own making.

The majority of the squad have now either been signed on Ainsworth’s watch or have had their contracts extended since he’s been in charge. Just six senior pros are on deals agreed by past managers.

Ainsworth admits last season wasn't good enough but hopes a new-look squad can make the difference this time around.

“I'm seeing some real good things,” he said.

“The big thing is that 90% of the players in the building have all been given contracts by me, and that's big for me. That's what I wanted to be doing and that's what I've been saying all along.

“The scrutiny will start, and I'm saying bring it on, because I think that's right for every manager. I'm sure a lot of managers would love 15 months in a job to change things around.

“I've had that, and I'm very grateful for it because that's what I wanted. [Owners] Brad and Shannon [Galinson] have stuck to their word so I'm really pleased to get the players I wanted in.”

The Galinsons appointed Ainsworth with the opportunity to build a squad over two years. It’s something that predecessors Stephen Clemence and Mark Bonner didn’t get the chance to do.

Ainsworth has overseen seven new signings this summer, including two new goalkeepers, an experienced centre-half, a couple of attacking options out wide, an inexperienced midfielder and a big striker.

More arrivals are expected before the season kicks off next month.

He said: “On September 1 [when the transfer window closes], I'm pretty