Gillingham skipper Max Ehmer has spoken of his pride of being re-appointed the Club’s captain by new boss Steve Evans on the eve of the League One season.

Speaking before the opening game with Doncaster Rovers, Ehmer told us, “I’m delighted and can’t thank the Gaffer enough! But it’s something that, even if I didn’t have it, I’d like to think that I’d still play the same way and be a leader on the pitch!”

“No one has a secured place in the side which is great for competition of places all around the team. It keeps everyone on their toes and on form and the season ahead is something that we’re all very much looking forward to. We’ve got a strong squad this year and I’m sure that the competition will simply bring the best out of us all!”

Ehmer then paid tribute to his injured predecessor Gabriel Zakuani, saying, “I thought Gabs was a great captain last year and he’s been great – he’s told me if there’s anything he can help with.”

“I’ve spoken with him briefly about it but as we see each other every day… I’m a couple of years older and have a lot more games under my belt from when Ady Pennock gave me the armband a couple of years ago. It wasn’t that I didn’t want it, it was more that I didn’t think I’d be able to handle everything that goes with it.”

“It’s been tough for Gabs being out so long, but he’s a lively character anyway. Deep down, it must be hurting, but he hasn’t let it show and has been doing his work every day in the gym being positive and it’ll be only a matter of time until he’s back on the pitch.”

“He’s always there in the dressing room getting the boys going, and he is such a positive person that he can only be good for the dressing room. You need the “older” heads as when people are getting too loud, they’re usually the ones telling them to tone it down a little bit!”

“We’ve got a good bunch where everyone gets on very well and the spirit is very good. Everyone’s now just looking forward to the first game – we all know that pre-season has been a tough one, but you all work in pre-season for the first game and the three points!”

“I think that we’ve been helped that three of the new boys all played together at St Mirren in Alfie (Jones), Lee (Hodson) and Matty Willock. So, they’ve come in as “new boys” and already know other members of the squad, and with some of those who were here last year also knowing some of the new boys, the bonds are strong early on!”

“Since I started my career, I don’t think that I’ve ever had a pre-season as intense as this one. It’s been really good and hopefully that’ll show on Saturday. We’re a club who believe that we can beat anyone and we’re going to Doncaster believing that we can win but we’ll have to make sure that the eleven on the pitch are one hundred percent ready and switched on!”