Gillingham begin their League Two campaign on Saturday at MEMS Priestfield against one of the oldest rivals Walsall and defender Andy Smith is keen to start with a win.

It’s a rivalry that goes back almost exactly one hundred years, with the Gills currently edging the series forty-eight to forty-seven, and with a game expected to be just as tight on Saturday, defender Andy Smith cannot wait for 3:00pm Saturday afternoon. 

“We’re all really excited about Saturday,” Smith told KSN at this week’s briefing.

“Obviously the game on Saturday (against Luton Town) was very disappointing – we weren’t quite at the races – they were a good side to be fair, but we have put things right during this week in training and we are all raring to go!” 

“There’s a few new faces in the squad this season, as we have had a big turnover at the Club in terms of new players, so the summer really has been getting to know the new faces. Building partnerships and it’s been a really positive pre-season!” 

“The guys who have come in at the back are good players. Liam (Gordon) for instance has been brilliant since he has come in and has added a real  voice into the backline, but they have all been great!”

“I’m not going to name them all, but I am really looking forward to the season and there is a good vibe about the place.” 

One name not on the team list next to Smith will of course be Sam Gale who has been transferred to Barnsley and Smith was asked about the move for his former team-mate.

“Going to miss him,” Smith said, “We had built up a really good partnership on and off the pitch – it is going to be strange not having him around but obviously wish him all the best with his move. We text as he’s “gone up North!” And I know that area better than he does – it’s almost the exact opposite from when I moved here,” the Hull native went on.

“Really happy for Sam and he’ll be missed!” 

“I know what I want from the new season but I’m not going to fully expose myself to you guys now, but it’s another season on from the start of last year – another season of games under my belt!”

“Of course, there are things that I can improve on and things that I can build on as well, and so I am really looking forward to getting going, playing games again week in, week out and I am feeling really positive about the season ahead.” 

“The Gaffer has been fully clear what he wants from us this year and we are doing our very best to trying to produce for him. We know exactly what he wants from us; we just have to implement that now.” 

Saturday sees Walsall as the first League opponents of a new season, and Smith is delighted to start at MEMS Priestfield.

“It’s great; last season we were away and it really is nice to start at home. We all know what the first game of the season is like – it’s chaotic, there’s a lot of tension in the air whatever it may be.”

“I know that Priestfield will be rocking so I can’t wait for kick off and hopefully we can all put in a good performance and get off to a good start!”