Gillingham midfielder Stuart Lewis is predicting a successful League 1 campaign next season Picture: Matthew Walker

By Luke Cawdell

Stuart Lewis believes Gillingham will be far better equipped to tackle League 1 next season.

Lewis, 21, tasted relegation in 2007-08 but played an integral part in helping Gills make an immediate return after their play-off win over Shrewsbury at Wembley.

"Winning at Wembley was the highlight of my career," he said. "We just have to look onwards and upwards.

"We’re a young team and the sky is the limit for us. If we all stick together we can be pushing for bigger honours.

"League 1 is real top quality with the three that came down from the Championship and those that are already in there. We’ll be going to some big stadiums but I think we can match them and I’m looking forward to it."

Lewis came on strong for the Gills at the end of the season, starting the last seven games, after finding it hard to claim a regular place earlier in the campaign.

He said: "It’s been a great experience for me and one of those experiences that will stay with me.

"The atmosphere on Saturday and the experience I had is one I’ll cherish forever."