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Video: kmfm's Nicola Everett speaks to former Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler

Mark Robson is the bookies' favourite to become Gillingham's new manager after Andy Hessenthaler stepped down.

Odds of 2/1 are being offered on the former assistant manager (pictured left) becoming the club's permanent boss.

It comes after Hessenthaler had his contract terminated 'with immediate effect' yesterday.

Robson became Gills assistant manager when Hessenthaler was appointed boss in June 2010 - but left after just three weeks, citing personal reasons.

SkyBet is also offering 7/2 odds on former Brentford boss Andy Scott becoming the new Gills manager.

Former England caretaker manager Peter Taylor, who managed Gillingham from 1999 to 2000, is at 8/1 while Barnet manager Martin Allen and ex-Northern Ireland international Lawrie Sanchez are 9/1 each.

At a meeting between Hessenthaler and chairman Paul Scally yesterday, it was agreed he would step down from his role.

He had failed to gain promotion for the club to League 1 for the second year running.

Hessenthaler has been offered a job as a director at the club, overseeing football development, scouting and recruitment.

Speaking soon after the meeting with Mr Scally, Hessenthaler spoke of his disappointment.

He said: "My remit was try and get the club back to the first division and unfortunately it hasn’t worked out.

"The chairman has decided that’s the best way to go and I have to honour that at the end of the day."

In a statement, the club said: "The Chairman would like to thank Andy for all his hard work and effort over the past two years and both he and Andy, whilst disappointed the club has not achieved its aims this season or last, want nothing but success for the club going forward.

"Given the huge and invaluable contribution Andy has made to the club, the chairman has asked him to consider joining the Board as a full Company Director in a role that would assume responsibility and oversee all club football development, scouting, recruitment and all other football related matters.

"Andy has agreed to consider this offer over the next few days."

Hessenthaler returned to the club at the beginning of last season, on a three-year contract, with the job of guiding the Gills out of the basement division.

At the end of this season the Gills finished in eighth position, two points outside the play-offs.

Despite missing out at the weekend, and the pressure mounting due to supporter expectation, Hessenthaler spoke at the weekend about his desire to win promotion for the Gills.

It was his second spell as manager having previously led the club in the Championship, where he guided them to their highest ever league position.

First team coach Nicky Southall will also be leaving the club.