FORMER Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has been announced as the new boss of Dover Athletic.

The 41-year-old, who played for Watford, Gillingham, Hull and Barnet during his career, succeeds Clive Walker, who left Crabble after Whites' failure to win promotion from Ryman League Division 1 South last season.

He made 273 league appearances and scored 20 goals for the Gills during a 10-year spell at Priestfield as player and manager.

Chairman Jim Parmenter told the club's official website: "This is something of a coup for us. He's a top manager and been successful at Championship level.

"We have challenged Andy to get this club promoted up the divisions. We want to reach the Football League one day, and Hess is well up for the challenge. We're very excited about what he can bring to the club."

Hessenthaler said: "I cannot wait to get started in helping this club get back up to where it belongs."

Dover have spent the last two seasons in Ryman League Division 1 South since ending a run of three relegations in four years.