Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler hopes that the recent loan move of Connor Essam to Dover is a step towards rebuilding the relationship between the clubs.

The summer exodus of management staff from Dover to Priestfield left some Whites fans bitter, but Hessenthaler is hoping relations can gradually be restored.

Essam (pictured), a first year professional, joined Whites last week to help in their target of promotion to the Blue Square Premier.

"Most people thought the Gillingham-Dover relationship wouldn’t happen," said Hessenthaler, who enjoyed three successful years at Crabble.

"Of course it would happen because we want to help Dover and if we can help them trying to achieve promotion, which they are striving for, then we will.

"It’s good for us as well because Connor is getting some games. Myself and Martin Hayes (Dover manager) had a good chat and it’s good business.

"It was unfortunate the way things happened in the summer and I have held my hands up and said maybe things could have been done differently, but I have a lot of time for Dover and I always will have.

"Whatever the fans think, I will always try and help them in any possible way, including with players or a pre-season game."