Andy Hessenthaler says it was "strange" being involved in the search for his successor but is ready to embrace his new job as director of football.

Three days younger than new man Martin Allen, both celebrate their 47th birthdays next month, Hessenthaler says he is excited after accepting the chance to "move upstairs" at Priestfield.

He still isn’t ruling out a return to management – and revealed he had turned down an offer to become Allen’s assistant – but said: "I am very excited that we have brought Martin in, and I’m looking forward to working with him.

"I am very open minded about it all but he has already given me the green light to join in training, and get a bit of fresh air rather than be stuck in the office."

Speaking of his new responsibilities, Hessenthaler said he will oversee the club’s successful youth policy, scouting home and abroad and – with chairman Paul Scally based in Dubai for much of the time – also be involved in negotiations with agents over transfers.

Hessenthaler (pictured) said: "The experience and contacts gained from bringing Paulo Gazzaniga to the club tells us that a lot of clubs in Spain and France carry big squads, and they let good players go.

"The plan would be to get out into different countries, look at the way they do things in training and the way they run their clubs. Ultimately though, it will be trying to find players who we can bring in.

"I will try and identify them, talk to Martin about them, make another trip to see what he thinks, and if it’s right we will try and sign them. I don’t think we have ever had the scouting network available to do that before.

"I believe there is another Gazzaniga out there."

Hessenthaler says Allen is targeting as many as five new players to add to the first team squad. He added: "Martin has looked at the squad, and picked my brains about it. He has done his homework very well, and had identified several who he would like to bring here."

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