Hessenthaler speaks out
after leaving Gills manager role

EXCLUSIVE

by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler is leaving with his “head
held high” after agreeing to step down as manager of
Gillingham.

Hessenthaler paid the price for failing to reach
League 1 for the second season running but isn’t bitter after
departing the Gills management post for the second time in his
career.

He said: “I am obviously disappointed it’s
come to an end but after a conversation with the chairman it was
decided that it was the best way to go.

“This season we finished eighth, which wasn’t
exactly where we wanted to be and we’ve said that all along. We
finished with more points than last year, slight progress I
suppose, but we still missed out on where we wanted to be.

“We are no in any real problems it is just
that my remit was to try and get the club back to the first
division and unfortunately it has not worked out. The chairman has
decided that is the best way to go and I have to honour that at the
end of the day.”

Hessenthaler met Gills chairman Paul Scally on
Tuesday afternoon to be told the news that the club wanted a new
manager at the helm. That came three days after the end of the
season, where the Gills finished just two points off the
play-offs.

“It was a little bit of a surprise but
football is a funny game and things change quickly,” said
Hessenthaler, who in recent days has spoken of his desire to remain
in the job.

“He (Mr Scally) expected promotion and we
haven’t been able to deliver that.”

Hessenthaler must now decide whether to accept
Mr Scally’s offer of a role as company director, where he would
assume responsibility and oversee all club football development,
scouting, recruitment and all other football related matters.

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“I have loved every minute at the club and I
always will do,” said the 46-year-old.

“It’s my club and I have had some great times
there. We have had some lows, but as far as I am concerned more
highs than lows and I can walk away, if I do decide to walk away
completely, with my head held high. There are no problems
there.

“The club is in my heart and it always will
be; that’s the most important thing. It’s not about Andy
Hessenthaler, it’s about Gillingham Football Club. The chairman
feels it’s the way forward and that’s the agreement we made. It’s
better for everyone.”

Hessenthaler had already agreed to meet the
club’s players on Thursday where he was due to announce who was
going to be receiving new contracts.

A meeting between Hessenthaler and the
chairman on Wednesday will decide whether he has any involvement in
those decisions.

“We will have a bit of time on Wednesday and
see what he wants to do,” Hessenthaler said.

“It’s a tricky situation with the players that
are out of contract and we need to deal with that properly. I will
have a conversation with him (Mr Scally) first and see how we deal
with it.”

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