After an extremely inconsistent season, Gillingham escaped the drop by the skin of their teeth after finishing just one point above the dreaded bottom four.

Manager Adrian Pennock will be hoping to avoid a similar scrap next season, and will use this summer transfer window to prepare his squad for the upcoming season.

Next season will be the Gills fifth consecutive year in League One, and fans will feel that their side have established themselves to the point in which a promotion push should be in the minds of the management team.

What seriously cost the Kent side last season was their leakiness at the back, with the defence conceding an eye watering 79 goals in 46 games; a league high.

Bolstering the back line will be a priority for Pennock this summer, and the former Forest Green Rovers boss may turn to free agency to acquire the new faces required to keep Gillingham away from the drop.

Tony Craig is set to be a free agent this summer after a successful third spell with boyhood club Millwall which ended in a play off final victory over Bradford, and Pennock should move to bring the experienced defender to the Priestfield Stadium.

The 32-year-old has gained promotion from League One on three separate occasions, and this winning mentality is exactly what the Gillingham squad needs.

Craig has captained both Millwall and Brentford to promotions, and his leadership and ability to organise the back line could prove pivotal for the Gills next year.

Pennock should look to move for Craig quickly, as the hot headed defender is sure to attract mass interest from across the Football League this summer.