Gillingham striker Mikael Mandron hoping to improve his game under manager Neil Harris

Mikael Mandron believes he’s chosen the right boss to take his game to another level.

The big striker was one of Gillingham manager Neil Harris’ key summer recruits and on Saturday he got his first goal since rejoining the club, heading in the winner at Southend United.

Harris wants to get more goals from the frontman, who has averaged around a goal every five league games from starts and off the bench in his career, and the manager was a key reason for him returning to Priestfield for a second spell.

Speaking after the 1-0 pre-season win at Southend, the Frenchman said: “It helps when you know the place, you know where you are going, I knew a few of the boys, but I think the main attraction for me was the gaffer and knowing the level he has played at and managed. That was the biggest selling point for me, him being a striker.

“I am looking forward to learning as much as possible from him.

"I am positive I will improve under him.”

Harris had to be patient to get his man, with other clubs interested. Mandron had returned to his home country over the summer, playing a bit of five-a-side with friends before returning to get himself fit.

He said: “When I came back to England it was a bit difficult when you are by yourself, you try and do as much as you can, you go to the gym, do running sessions, that is not the same as training by the team but I came back fit and I am fully up to speed now.

“Every off season is different, I was a free agent this time, there were a few options, it is always about getting the right club, the right contract and it is definitely what I have done here.”

Mandron’s previous spell with the Gills was cut-short because of Covid. He was on a one-year contract and opted to leave after the season was