Notts County v Gillingham

GILLINGHAM get down to business on Saturday as they begin their League 1 preparations with a trip to Notts County.

Manager Neale Cooper is itching to get the pre-season underway so he can get a first glimpse of his new side in competitive action.

"We’re all looking forward to the game – it will be a good test," said Cooper.

"The players have been working hard in training. They’ve shown a great attitude and it’ll be good to see them playing."

Among the squad will be former Portsmouth defender Shaun Cooper and ex-Rangers youth striker Tom Brighton, who will both be looking to impress and earn deals at Priestfield.

Cooper is keen to see players in match action before commiting to anything and after the departure of nine players from last season’s squad, he realises the need to strengthen.

He added: "I’ve brought a lad down from Scotland (Tom Brighton) and a French striker and we’ll have another one or two coming in next week.

"There’s been a budget since day one and we can bring in a few more players. We’re not kidding ourselves, we need players but they must be right.

"A lot of players have gone out for their own reasons and we’ve got to deal with it."

Two players are rated doubtful for the match at Meadow Lane with Matt Jarvis picking up a calf injury and Mike Flynn injuring his toe.

Magpies fans will also be watching the match with interest, as it’s Gudjon Thordarson’s first outing as manager, with a host of new signings looking to impress.