Gillingham to host two pre-season matches and spend time abroad ahead of the new League 2 season

Gillingham’s pre-season plans are sorted and they include a short trip abroad.

The club are expected to announce their summer itinerary in the coming days - once kick off times are agreed - and whether fans can watch them play on European soil.

Several games against Kent sides have already been announced but there will be two matches at Priestfield against higher-ranked opposition.

Anticipation for the new season is already high. Fans have been snapping up season tickets in bigger numbers than in recent years, with the Gills reporting 65% of seats in the Rainham End have already been claimed.

Manager Neil Harris has given an indication of what fans can look forward to during July when the players face warm-up games ahead of the new League 2 season. They will return to training on Wednesday, June 28.

Harris said: “The pre-season plans are concluded and I am really, really pleased with the programme we have.

“I am delighted to have such a structured pre-season, all the players will know what the plans are when they report back. We are in a really good place.”

The Gills boss was being tightlipped about the trip to Europe for now. The club did look at the French resort of Le Touquet - a favourite spot in the past - but it looks like they’re heading elsewhere this summer, with the possibility of a game being played too.

Confirmation of whether it will be behind closed doors or not will be announced by the club.

Gillingham have already announced a friendly match at National South side Dover Athletic on Saturday, July 8 (1pm).

They will also play away at Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday, July 18 (7.45pm).

Chatham Town will host a Gills side on Friday, July 14 and an XI will be at Lordswood on Tuesday, July 25. With up to six second