The task to turn Gillingham from relegation scrappers to League 1 challengers will be a tough one, admits boss Peter Taylor.

Taylor has been in charge since October and has guided the Gills to 13 wins from his 34 league games in charge – enough to clinch their safety.

He hopes to still be at Priestfield in August when the new season kicks-off as the Gills look to make big improvements from a difficult campaign.

He said: “Thirteen years ago I know we got promotion into the Championship, but the league is stronger. You are going to have some good clubs coming down from the Championship and there will also be clubs coming up that might have a bit more of a budget.”

Rochdale and Scunthorpe are coming up from League 2 but the scrap at the bottom of the Championship includes Birmingham, Millwall and Charlton.

Teams such as Sheffield United, Coventry and MK Dons will again provide quality opposition for the Gills to be tested against.

Taylor added: “It won’t be easy but it is a challenge. It is possible. If you recruit the right people then there is a chance you can build a team but that is not always going to happen straight away.

“This division is stronger than it has ever been. Preston had four outstanding players (up front) who can probably all play in the next division."