Gillingham FC's Danny Kedwell

Striker looking to take friendly form into new season.

Gillingham striker Danny Kedwell admitted there is a buzz around the club as the new season draws closer.

He netted his fourth goal of pre-season in the 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic at Priestfield on Saturday and is happy with how the side is coming together under new boss Martin Allen.

He said: “I’ve dealt with it and obviously it’s going to be different to other managers. He’s come in, changed it up and doing a great job with it. We are unbeaten at the minute and Charlton were and we’ve just beat them.

“I think we’re ready – in the changing room over the last couple of games the boys have been buzzing and it’s been a good atmosphere at the minute.

“That’s down to the gaffer giving us confidence and it’s paying off.”

He is hoping he can continue his goalscoring form in friendlies to competitive matches starting in the League Cup next Tuesday at Bristol City.

He said: “It’s been going really well and the passing has got going. We are moving forwards instead of moving sidewards which we did too much of last year.

“The gaffer has got us playing the way he wants us to play and I think it’s working.

“He’s getting me to stay in the box more which last year I was running about trying to help but he’s asked me to do that and it’s working.

“I’ve got four in two and a half games which is good and I just need to make sure this carries on in to the season.

“The extra work that I’ve been asked to put in is what I needed and I feel good out on the pitch and in myself and I just need to make sure I keep it up as I’m sure I will.”

He is also happy to have linked up with Adam Birchall as the former Dover man has returned to fitness following a knee injury which kept him out for his entire first season at the club.

He said: “With what happened to him last year I’m really happy for him – he’s come in and worked his nuts off during pre-season and his first 90 minutes on Tuesday was brilliant for him.

“Competition is what you need to have in teams – there’s no worth in having a set team and players sitting on the bench who won’t come on and do it for you.

“If you’ve got good strikers competing against each other I am sure we will do well.”