Gills manager Martin Allen believes director of football Andy Hessenthaler should be given a role for life at the club.

Allen succeeded Hessenthaler as manager in the summer and the two have worked together since July.

And Allen has been impressed with the work Hessenthaler has done this season and before his involvement at Priestfield.

Allen said: "I rarely ever call people a legend but I saw him how well he played at this club. He can’t be forgotten, he is a legend.

"Managers lose their jobs too quickly, clubs kick people out and it was a good move by chairman Mr Scally to bring his experience to the club. He should be an ambassador for life at this club."

Hessenthaler was dismissed as Gills manager after failing to gain promotion over two seasons. It was his second spell in charge – taking his total games as manager of Gillingham to 329.

He accepted the role of director of football and helped Gills chairman Paul Scally in seeking his own replacement.

Allen said: "It can’t be easy when you’ve been a manager full-time and then you lose the job you love. It’s not easy having been the decision maker to then take that step back, especially for someone his age, who is still vibrant and has so much to offer. But he deserves an awful lot of credit for what’s currently happening here."