MARK Bentley cannot wait to be standing in the opposite dugout to one of his former managers tomorrow.

Bentley’s Canvey Island will welcome Hornchurch to Park Lane for their first pre-season friendly of the summer.

The Urchins are managed by Mark Stimson and Bentley is looking forward to going head-to-head with his former Gillingham boss.

“It will be nice to see Stimmo,” said Bentley, who is preparing for his first full campaign in charge of the Gulls.

“We had quite a good team with Stimmo at Gillingham and we had our ups and downs as we won promotion and suffered relegation together there.

“He is a very good coach and manager who is probably better than the level he is currently at.

“I know he always wants to play the right way and we’re relishing the challenge.”

Bentley was bossed by Stimson - a former Southend United defender - for three years at Gillingham and they won promotion to League One thanks to a memorable play-off final win in 2009.

However, Bentley is now focused on winning silverware during his own managerial career and has already set his sights on enjoying success in the forthcoming campaign.

In order to challenge for the Isthmian North title, Bentley knows his side must prepare well and he feels Hornchurch will be an ideal test.

“It will be a difficult friendly for us,” added Bentley.

“Hornchurch have already played a few games, whereas this will be our first match of the summer, so they may be more up for it.

“But they are also in the division above us and this is the kind of test you want before the season gets underway.

“I want the boys to express themselves and work hard.”

Bentley has made four signings during the summer, with George Purcell, Michael Finneran, Albert Levett and Sammy Knott arriving.

Knott is unavailable, along with James White, while Purcell could make his Gulls debut having joined from Hornchurch.

And the striker may be joined on the pitch by a number of trialists.

“We have a couple of lads on trial that are doing well,” admitted Bentley.

“It’s good to be back and every single one of the boys have been fantastic since coming back for pre-season.

“It’s about getting every individual through pre-season and we will be giving everyone available minutes.”

But Bentley will not be able to call upon Harry Palmer.

The goalkeeper was named the manager’s and supporters’ player of the year last term but has left the club.

Palmer tweeted: “Gutted to say I’ll be leaving Canvey.

“I’ve had an offer to go full-time, which I can’t turn down.

“I wish the club all the best and hope they can go and get promotion this season!”