Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has spoken for the first time about the departure of his assistant Mark Robson.

The Gills announced on Wednesday that the managerial partnership came to an abrupt end with Robson deciding to leave for personal reasons.

Hessenthaler (pictured) confirmed that there was still a chance Robson could return to his position but admitted that he respected the decision he had come to.

"I talked to Mark last night (Tuesday) and we had a good conversation," said Hessenthaler.

"He feels at this present time he can't do the job for personal issues and for me that's enough - personal issues are personal issues, Mark has stated that and that's fine by me.

"It leaves me in a position now where I've got to work quickly to get somebody in.

"At the moment the door is still open for Mark. As the chairman said, there's a few personal issues that he has brought up."

Hessenthaler is willing to let Robson return but knows that he needs to bring someone in sooner rather than later to join his coaching staff.

"We'll give him a few days as I still want him to be working with me," added Hessenthaler. "But he is his own man and has said what he's said.

"We'll see what happens in the next few days. Obviously I'm disappointed as he is a good guy and we've been working together for a couple of weeks sorting everything out for pre-season.

"But when it comes to personal things that's down to Mark, the same as it would be down to me. If I had personal issues that I thought were hindering me doing my job properly then I'd be doing the same.

"The door is not shut on Mark. We'll wait and see how he feels in the next few days, it will be resolved as quickly as it can be but (that is) depending on Mark."

Hessenthaler also confirmed that he is currently working alone on the coaching staff as new youth team boss Darren Hare is still serving his notice at his previous job.