Andy Hessenthaler is already facing up to life in the hotseat at Priestfield and to the expectations of club chairman Paul Scally who envisages a quick return to League 1.

Having been the big fish in small leagues with Dover, pressure is something Hessenthaler is used to. But he also shares chairman Paul Scally’s vision of immediate promotion.

"I’m not worried about that," said Hessenthaler, referring to KentOnline's story on Monday.

"He has a right to say that and I believe it. League 2 is not where we want to be and it’s not where the club should be.

"For me it’s a League 1 club and a Championship club in the making. We can make that happen but everyone should pull in the right direction.

"Financially, as you go higher it’s not easy. We know that but it’s achievable – just look at Blackpool in the Premier League.

"It’s going to be a long, hard road. We need to be patient. We’re trying to get instant success. It wasn’t easy last time they went down and it won’t be any easier this time."

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