Hereford v Gillingham: Head coach Stephen Clemence looks ahead to FA Cup First Round match at Edgar Street

Two cup games in four days is ideal preparation for new head coach Stephen Clemence ahead of a tough first league outing.

Clemence plans to go with a strong team at non-league Hereford on Saturday in the FA Cup First Round, before returning to Priestfield for a chance to see some other faces in action, during their midweek EFL Trophy match against Fulham under-21s.

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The first game in the league for Clemence will be at Wrexham next Saturday, a side sitting third in League 2.

Up first for the new head coach will be a trip to National League North outfit Hereford.

“I have wanted a game for a little while now so I can’t wait,” said Clemence.

“Hereford will be a very tough one but win a couple of games and we could get a dream tie at one of the big Premier League teams. I am sure all of the players would love to go and take them on, I would, it would be great for Gillingham, that is the aim.

“We will put a strong team out and go and try and win that one and then we have to take care of business on Tuesday against Fulham under-21s as well.

“What I will see over the next couple of games is most of the players up close, I would think most will play over the next couple then before going into the league game the week after.”

Clemence picks up the baton from interim boss Keith Millen with the Gills sitting ninth in the table.

First things first and it’s an FA Cup clash and a competition that Clemence has enjoyed being involved with in the past, as a son watching his dad, then as a player himself and a coach.

While at Hull City he was a coach at the 2014 final at Wembley, where they lost 3-2 to Arsenal.

“I’ve a few medals around the house but they are not mine,” said the