Royce has never known a better dressing room atmosphere

Gillingham goalkeeper Simon Royce has said he has never experienced a better dressing room atmosphere than the one at Priestfield.

The 37-year-old, who is at the ninth club of his career, felt it was at its strongest at a recent bonding week.

The squad stayed together for five days between away games at Morecambe and Port Vale, both of which they won.

"It [spirit] really has turned around. It's one of the best changing rooms of my career," Royce told BBC Radio Kent.

"I've had a long career and that speaks volumes. After the Morecambe game we all had a night out. Every single player was together but then it was back to work."

Gills boss manager Mark Stimson said the spirit in the camp was in stark contrast to last season when the club was relegated from League One.

"Last year was an absolute nightmare," he conceded. "When players don't want to train and don't want to work hard it makes my job difficult.

"But it's great to be around these players. We've got the right people in the building to take this club forward."

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