Andy Hessenthaler and his coaching staff will step-up the Gills pre-season preparations this week with an intensive four day training camp at the Le Touquet resort.

The squad departed from Priestfield early this morning to make the short journey to France where their itinerary includes a pre-season friendly with local side RUFC Calais on Saturday afternoon.

Hessy will use the four day camp as a further chance to assess trialists Lance Cronin, Danny Spiller, Tony Sinclair and Stanley Aborah who are all included in the travelling party.

The players will also get plenty of opportunity to relax and unwind as Hessenthaler looks to build team bonding for the forthcoming League Two campaign.

Injured players Simon King, Mark McCammon and Dean Rance miss the trip, but Gills fans will be pleased to see Garry Richards travel as the centre-half steps up his recovery from an ankle injury.

Travelling squad:

Goalkeepers: Alan Julian, Lane Cronin

Defenders: Barry Fuller, John Nutter, Josh Gowling, Garry Richards, Connor Essam, Tony Sinclair

Midfielders: Mark Bentley, Jack Payne, Andy Barcham, Curtis Weston, Kevin Maher, Luke Rooney, Danny Jackman, Chris Palmer, Danny Spiller. Stanley Aborah 

Strikers: Dennis Oli, Stefan Payne, Andy White, Cody McDonald