Gillingham will start their League 1 campaign with a home match at Priestfield against rivals Swindon Town on Saturday, August 8.

The Gills face an array of southern-based teams in the division, but there are still several long distance journeys to tackle, including a trip to John Barnes’ Tranmere side on the second Saturday of the season - the England legend's first home game in charge.

The much-anticipated meeting against Charlton at Priestfield is on Saturday, October 24 and the return fixture at The Valley takes place on Saturday, March 20.

Gillingham face a tough run-in with their final game of the season at Wycombe (May 8) being preceded by games against Leeds (home), Norwich (away) and Southampton (home) on successive Saturdays.

Gillingham fans will have to make a couple of long distance trips over the festive season with games at Exeter on December 28 and Hartlepool on January 2 coming after a Boxing Day home clash with Brentford.

Six Tuesday night games are included in the fixtures with the first coming at Colchester on August 18. It will be a first visit to the Essex side’s new Community Stadium. There are also midweek trips to Brighton and Leyton Orient.

Other new grounds that Gillingham fans will sample this season are Southampton’s St Mary’s stadium on Saturday, October 3 and Stadiummk, home of the MK Dons (October 17).

Gillingham will face Plymouth at home in the first round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday, August 11 and the opening round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1.

The FA Cup first round proper is on Saturday, November 7.

All fixtures are subject to change and Gillingham will have to submit any requests to the Football League.