Stockport v Gillingham preview: Manager Neil Harris looks ahead to their League 2 match at Edgeley Park

Gillingham manager Neil Harris has had to manage expectations this summer but he's as excited as the fans for the new season to start.

Good numbers will be following the Gills to Stockport this Saturday for the League 2 opener, with around 700 heading north this weekend.

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Harris said: “The majority (of fans) understand we have come such a long way in a short space of time and we still have a way to go, but why not be a little excited?

“Win, lose or draw at Stockport, they will come in numbers against Southampton (in the League Cup on Tuesday night) and Accrington (at home next Saturday) because there is a feel-good factor and they want to support the team and be part of it. They have a club to be proud of now.

“They have enjoyed what they have seen and bought into the influx of the American love and energy that (owners) Brad and Shannon (Galinson) have brought and why not? Everyone should. We all have. Fans are excited and rightly so.

⚽️New this afternoon: #GillinghamFC announce @shaunywilliams6 will captain the League 2 side this season. Plus, the rest of today's sport on @KMTV_Kent: pic.twitter.com/5Ez53kNhB4

“We have come a long way in a short space of time but there has to be some perspective, we are still not competing with six or seven other clubs in the division who have way more money than us, there is the perspective but there has to be the ambition as well, balanced with the excitement factor.

“We are a club that’s going places. I stood out on the pitch looking at the LEDs (being installed around the ground) and the quality of the pitch and the amount of staff with a smile on their face walking around, and at training, the lads are buzzing.

“My job is to make