Gillingham's Ross Flitney during their Npower League 2 game at Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham, Kent, 3rd September 2011.

It was a no-brainer to join Gills for Stuart Nelson

New Gillingham keeper Stuart Nelson has insisted he hasn’t joined the club to sit on the bench.

The 30-year-old will have to battle it out with Southampton loanee Tommy Forecast for a spot for the start of the season after signing on a free transfer on Friday.

He played the first 60 minutes in the 1-0 win over Dartford on Saturday before being replaced by youngster Darren Hawkes.

Ross Flitney who missed much of last season with injury will be out of action for the first month of the season leaving the door open for Forecast and Nelson to claim a starting spot.

“That’s down to the manager,” he said. “I will do the best for this team when I step on the pitch.

“I believe in my own ability, I didn’t’ come here to sit on the bench, every time I’m in a Gillingham shirt you will see me give my best.”

It’s the third time he has linked up with new boss Martin Allen having worked with him at Brentford and then Notts County last season, and admits it was that, as well as the chance to work with new goalkeeping coach Carl Muggleton that attracted him to the Priestfield Stadium.

There was other interested from other clubs, but this was my first choice, obviously once the gaffer is here and knowing Carl Muggleton is here, working with him at Notts he was excellent,” he said.

“I had three offers on the table, one in may and a couple in June, but they weren’t right, but once i heard the interest it was a no brainer.

“I know the club has been higher, the ground is set up for it, and there’s the fan base. I want to go on with this club and get into the league above.”

Before signing on Friday with striker Ben Strevens, and midfielder Charlie Allen he played in the behind closed doors 3-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge which gave him an opportunity to get to know the squad.

“I came in on Wednesday and played the game against Dagenham and trained on Friday, and I feel like they’ve welcome me, the banters great, and it bodes well for a positive season,” he said.