Hessenthaler was a Gills player for 10 years

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler expects his side to start their League Two campaign with a win after they were drawn at home to Cheltenham.

"Whoever it would be for the first game - especially at home, we'd expect three points," he told BBC Radio Kent.

"Cheltenham won't be easy but we'll be expected to get a result.

"We've got to give them the respect but we'll be all geared up. We'll work very hard from the 1 July to make sure we get off to a winning start."

Hessenthaler had wanted to kick-off his second spell in charge of the Gills with an away trip as they failed to get a win on the road last season.

"It would have been nice because of the year the Gills had last year, to set that record straight quite quickly," he said.

"But it's a home start and, hopefully, a winning start."

The Gills boss admitted the fixtures that caught his eye included the games against Barnet - where former manager Mark Stimson is now in charge.

"With Mark there and Ian [Hendon] being the ex-manager and me an ex-player - there's a lot of connections there so the fans will look for that one as well," said Hessenthaler.

"And the Bradford game - I always look out for that because Peter Taylor is a good friend of mine. They are the two I had a little look at - and obviously the Christmas period to see where you are.

"It's exciting for me because I've been away from the league for five years as a manager so I look at the fixtures and get quite excited and I can't wait for 7 August to come."

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