Stimson took charge at Priestfield in November 2007

Gillingham boss Mark Stimson says his newly promoted side cannot wait to start their League One campaign at home to old rivals Swindon Town.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "Since we clinched that promotion we couldn't wait to get started.

"First game's a good one. There's a bit of history between the two clubs. Hopefully it'll be a good-natured game. Good start, we're happy with that.

"It's nice to start at home in front of your fans, especially after promotion."

Gillingham beat Shrewsbury in the League Two play-off final at Wembley in May to win promotion and Stimson added: "I'm sure there'll be big numbers at the Priestfield Stadium to get behind the boys.

"Last season was about repairing the damage from the year before, and trying to attract more people to the club.

It's about now. The ones that deliver in pre-season will be the ones that get chosen against Swindon on the first day of the season Mark Stimson

"The vast numbers we took to Wembley were nothing short of amazing and hopefully they've still got the buzz for it and they'll come and support us for our first league fixture."

The eagerly awaited first derby between Gillingham and relegated Charlton will be at Priestfield on Saturday 24 October, with the return fixture at The Valley on Saturday 20 March.

And Stimson admitted the games against their local rivals would be huge.

"I would have thought when we play them at home the stadium should be filled," he said. "Then when we go to them I'm sure there will be vast numbers of Gillingham supporters travelling.

"Looking at the fixtures I think there's some good trips for the supporters to make and some good Tuesday night fixtures where the away support haven't got to travel too far.

"I'm sure the likes of Colchester, Brighton and Leyton Orient will take vast numbers and that's so important because the more the fans are cheering, the better the players do."

Stimson's side will play Wycombe on the final day of the season, but prior to that, they face a very tough run-in against Leeds, Norwich and Southampton on successive Saturdays.

606: DEBATE What are your thoughts about Gillingham's fixture list?

"I did have a quick glance at the run-in," said Stimson. "Then I went back to the beginning because it's tough at the end.

"But we'll worry about that when we get there, we're just really excited and can't wait for the challenge to start against Swindon."

Stimson insisted that all of his squad would have an equal chance of starting the Swindon game.

"It's a fresh sheet. Last season, whoever performed throughout the season did a great job for the football club and got us back into League One, but that's gone now," he added.

"They're all given a chance and an opportunity to get the shirt.

"No-one is promised it from last year. It's about now and the ones that deliver in pre-season will be the ones that get chosen against Swindon on the first day of the season."

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