By Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler is delighted to be repaying some of the faith shown in him by chairman Paul Scally.

The Gills climbed back into the play-off places at the weekend, following their 1-0 over Northampton, making it seven wins from their last eight games.

Mr Scally’s decision to back his manager during a tough opening few months of the season, in contrast to the current trend among football club chairman, looks to be paying off.

Hessenthaler (pictured) said: "People say, ‘who would be a manager at the moment’, with the comings and goings and changes?

"That old-fashioned patience sometimes is right. I’m sure he (Mr Scally) is pleased again that we’ve turned things around.

"He has stuck with us and hopefully we can reward him because he brought me to the club and I want to reward him."

Hessenthaler’s men have managed to turn the tide of results and he’s rewarded them with a day off on Monday.

"To have achieved seven wins out of eight is a phenomenal effort from the boys and it keeps the run going," said Hessenthaler."