Manager Gareth Ainsworth is preparing for a fresh start as Gillingham’s League 2 challenge begins away at Accrington Stanley

Manager Gareth Ainsworth believes he’ll be the one to turn Gillingham’s fortunes around - but ahead of the new season he’s also cautioned those expecting instant success.

The Gills start their new League 2 campaign this Saturday away at Accrington Stanley, with supporters hoping for a season of excitement after four campaigns of disappointment.

Ainsworth hasn’t made massive changes to his playing personnel, but hopes his input can work wonders for a club that has underachieved since the Galinsons took charge.

“We've worked on an identity and a sort of structure and organisation that we want to put in place,” said the Gills manager.

“This is going to take time. It doesn't come overnight, an identity. You can’t do it.

“Look at Manchester United and Chelsea and what they’ve tried to do over the years. It’s really tough.

Manchester United still can’t get hold of something that they want and it’s taking time. He’s (Ruben Amorim) a great manager but it takes time.

“I’ve come into Gillingham and I’m not saying we’re anything like Manchester United, but I’m just trying to give a comparison to the way managers are different. They do different things.

“Players have got to get used to them and different identities and that’s as important as a 4-3-3 [formation] or a 4-4-2 or a 5-3-2. The identity and mental side is just as important.

“There’s a lot of games to come up. There’s a lot of times there’s going to be a rollercoaster, up and down emotions. I'm really pleased with the group where we are.”

The Gills ended their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win at Dartford last weekend.

Ainsworth has been keen to trim his squad ahead of the season but still has around 22 senior outfield players and another half dozen vying to get in among