Stuart Nelson praises Gillingham squad effort

Gillingham goalkeeper Stuart Nelson says their strong squad is the reason for their early season success.

The Gills currently lie five points clear at the top of League Two.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "It's probably the best squad I've been involved in in my career. Everyone who comes in gives everything and won't let you down.

"It doesn't matter who's in front of me. They have all got the same shirt on and all put in the same amount of effort. We're all doing good things."

The 31-year-old added: "If you've got boys who are willing to listen and learn, work hard on the training ground and do what they are told to on a match day, you'll get the rewards."

The Gills have kept eight clean sheets in their 16 League Two games, and nine in all competitions.

Nelson is refusing to take full credit for that statistic, insisting that everyone at the Priestfield Stadium is responsible for their defensive solidity.

"I know Danny Kedwell has kept nine clean sheets," he said.

"Deon Burton has kept nine clean sheets and so has Chris Whelpdale.

"I don't need to go on - we've all kept nine clean sheets.

"Every fan in the Rainham End has kept nine clean sheets.

"Ultimately you set your own personal targets but as a club have kept nine clean sheets; from the cleaner and the kit man through to the people who start on a Saturday.

"It isn't going to stop there - we want to keep going. Likewise with scoring goals.

"If we do what we are capable of this season and we won't be far off [promotion]."