by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has stressed his determination to give the fans what they want after a second season of disappointment.

The Gills missed out on a League 2 play-off spot for the second successive season after only managing a draw at Northampton on Saturday, but Hessenthaler, pictured, hasn’t given up hope that he can be the man to get the club back out of the Football League’s basement division.

"I would like to think that the fans can see I have that fire in my belly and I want it as badly as they do," said Hessenthaler. "I am desperate for them to get back to where they belong.

"We are too good for this league but ultimately that’s where we are at the moment. I signed a three-year deal and the third year is going to be my year."

Last season the Gills missed the play-off cut on goal difference and this season – one which chairman Paul Scally has backed the manager with big signings – it again hasn’t happened.

Hessenthaler said: "We need a bit of patience but unfortunately in football nowadays you don’t really get a lot of time.

"The chairman has been fully supportive. He is going to, hopefully, dig in there with me."

Do you think Andy Hessenthaler has had enough time to get Gills promoted, or does he deserve a third season at the helm? Have your say below.