Andy Hessenthaler has accepted the role of director of football at Gillingham.

Hessenthaler, who was removed from the post as manager last week, has agreed to take up the new role offered to him.

Chairman Paul Scally said: "He has accepted the role. I am very pleased and I believe he will be a big addition to what we are doing."

Hessenthaler lost his job as Gills manager after failing to guide the team to promotion in each of the last two seasons in League 2.

He will now work on duties such as scouting and recruiting players and he could also play an active role in helping to recruit the new manager.