Robbie McKenzie on slotting back in at Gillingham after a summer training with old team Hull City

Gillingham’s returning player Robbie McKenzie is confident they can still have success this season.

McKenzie was back in a Gills shirt at Grimsby Town on Tuesday night, helping them to a 1-1 draw. It was his first appearance since re-signing for the club on deadline day.

Gillingham host Mansfield Town today sitting 22nd in League 2, with just one win and two goals scored in their opening eight games.

For McKenzie, there is still plenty to play for, saying: “It was good to get back out there, with a few familiar faces and also some new ones but I think we’ve got a good group together this year and I feel we can still do something good.

“Look at Bristol Rovers last year, they were bottom of the league and got promoted, never say never.

“I feel like it can take time for a group to get to know each other, on and off the pitch, I feel we are starting to click on the pitch. On Tuesday night we had two goals disallowed so we are obviously making chances, it is about taking them and kicking on.

“I am here to do well this season and hopefully get the team back up where they belong."

McKenzie needed a few training sessions at Beechings Cross to get up to speed but played the full game against Grimsby as he slotted back into the right side of defence.

He was grateful to his former club Hull City - where he started his career - for giving him the chance to train there over the summer to keep in top condition.

McKenzie said: “I was with the Hull City under-21s, where I came through, an old coach helped me out, he said I could go in and train and stay fit, I am grateful to that from them.

“They helped me out a lot, I couldn’t say a bad word about them.”

A contract offer was on the table from the Gills since the end of last season but