Andy Hessenthaler has insisted that he is still manager of Dover Athletic - but admitted that he was expecting to receive an official approach from Gillingham chairman Paul Scally to take over in charge at Priestfield.

Hessenthaler, who was previously in charge of Gillingham from June 2000 to November 2004, admitted on Monday lunchtime: "I have received a message saying that Paul Scally would like to talk to me.

"But I haven't spoken to Paul because as far as I know he hasn't been given permission yet by Jim Parmenter, and so I am getting on with the job of managing Dover Athletic."

But Hessenthaler, who has led Dover to successive Ryman League promotions, plus runners-up spot in Blue Square South this year, during his three seasons in charge at Crabble, gave a strong hint that he would accept the right offer from Gillingham.

He said: "I have never made any secret of the fact that I wanted to return to Football League management at some stage and I believe it will happen, whether it's with Gillingham, who are a club dear to my heart, or with another League club."

Mr Scally said he had decided last week not to speak to anyone about the job until this week.

"I have received 40 applications for the job so far and I intend to start looking at them this week," he said.