Gillingham manager Mark Stimson is planning a low-key pre-season campaign in order to avoid matches being too competitive.

The Gills announced nine friendly matches on Tuesday, all of which are away from home against non-league teams, with Blue Square South trio Welling, Bishop`s Stortford and Thurrock the highest ranked opponents.

Last season Stimson`s former clubs Stevenage and Grays - both in the Blue Square Premier - were on the fixture list, but the Gills boss was keen to avoid them this time around.

"We've had a long season with a lot of tough games and this year's pre-season we'll ease down a bit and not try and play teams where it's their cup final when we play them," Stimson told KentOnline.

"Last year we played Stevenage and Grays and it was like a cup final and there were times in the games where it was getting a little close. We want it to be competitive but we don't want people breaking legs and necks.

"At Dover there was an outrageous challenge on Barry Fuller and you have to ask, `do we need this?'. A lot of the games will be low key and we'll just try and get one big one at home. Whoever we play we'll be ready for the start of the season."