Gillingham will be hoping for the perfect start to the season when they head to Southend United on Saturday afternoon.

Backed by around 1,500 travelling fans, The Gills will go to one of their closest rivals looking to return to Kent with all three points.

They will be without new signing Lee Martin, who is likely to be sidelined for as long as nine months after suffered a suspected broken ankle during the pre-season match against Leyton Orient, which was abandoned.

Midfielder Scott Wagstaff, signed from Bristol City, will miss the first couple of weeks of the new campaign after picking up a calf problem.

Left-back Bradley Garmston was another to suffer a pre-season injury, when he dislocated a kneecap, and could yet need surgery.

Defender Aaron Morris (knee) is also out, but Deji Oshilaja, who has returned to the Gills on a season-long loan from Cardiff, should be in contention after overcoming his minor knee problem.

Despite having so many absentees for the curtain opener, manager Justin Edinburgh is really looking forward to the first competitive action of the summer:

“It’s classed as a derby and last year we took fantastic numbers, it was almost like a home game at Roots Hall. I’m sure the fans are looking forward to the start of the season just as much as the players are,” he said.

“We’ve had them watched, and had someone down there on Saturday [for their friendly against Colchester United]. We’ll do our preparation as we do every game, but we will look to impose ourselves and make sure we play to our strengths.”

“If we are going to be successful it has got to be about how we perform, and apply ourselves. I have every confidence we will do that.”

Southend United hope to have former Gills winger Jermaine McGlashan fit for the game at Roots Hall.

The 28-year-old free summer signing, who had been released by the Gills, picked up a hamstring problem in the final pre-season friendly against Colchester United, but has now returned to training.

Forward Nile Ranger (groin) and midfielder Michael Timlin (hamstring) are both stepping up their rehabilitation as the pair close in on a return to action.

However, midfielder Anthony Wordsworth faces around six weeks out as he is set for an operation on a hamstring problem.

Ex-Gills captain Adam Barrett now leads out Southend United and the defender is looking forward to the season starting.

“Me personally, I’m not a massive fan of the pre-season games whereas Saturday there is a proper edge to the fixture and I can’t wait to get started,” said Barrett.

“The first game always has that little extra bit of excitement where both fans are expecting their team to do well and the players are expecting to have a good season.

“With it being a local derby I’m sure Gillingham are going to bring a fair few down and our support at Roots Hall has always been tremendous so I’m looking forward to getting started.”