Combative Midfielder Kevin Maher made a good impression in Gillingham's opening pre-season friendly with Stevenage Borough at the krbs Priestfield Stadium. Maher played the opening 45 minutes of the Gills 1-0 defeat, forging an excellent partnership with team captain Andrew Crofts.

Manager Mark Stimson was quick to praise Maher's contribution and revealed he is still hoping to secure the midfielder's services: "We are talking with Kevin Maher, I'm trying to twist his arm and nail him down to a contract but there is a League One club still after him so he is keeping his options open. It was great to see him play against Stevenage and fair play to him, when you are in his situation; you are one injury away from a nightmare."

"If you get injured, no club will want to take you. Full credit to him, he came here and played in the right way and he would be a big part of our plans if he signed as he is a very good football player. If we had stayed in League One, I think he would've signed by now. Kevin thinks he can still play in that division and I think that he could as well but I am trying my best to persuade him to come and sign for us as I think he could be a big part of the way we want to play this season."