There will be no immediate Priestfield return for veteran midfielder Nicky Southall.

Speculation has linked Southall (pictured) with a return to Gillingham since Andy Hessenthaler took over as manager for the second time.

But Hessenthaler insisted that he will not sign Southall as a player for the new campaign - although he refused to rule out a coaching position further down the line.

"It's probably no at this stage as we're looking to freshen things up but you never say never," said Hessenthaler.

"He could still do a job. He was outstanding at our level (Blue Square South) last year and now we're only two divisions away from that. He is a fit boy and if you put him out there then he'd do a job.

"It's a tricky one with Nicky as he is obviously my best mate. Once people saw I got the job they were saying that Nicky is coming back and he has been having it in his earhole ever since.

"I've got a lot of trust in Mark (Robson) but I trust Nicky Southall as well and you need people around you that you can trust. At the moment, no, but who knows?"

Southall could still stay at Dover, who he played for last season after leaving the Gills following their League 2 play-off final win at Wembley in May, 2009.

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