Former Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has made a return to coaching.

The 47-year-old has agreed a deal to join Soccer Elite FA, the Kent-based professional football academy.

He left his role as Gillingham’s director of football in May, with club chairman Paul Scally admitting he had reluctantly terminated Hessenthaler’s contract because of his “desire to return to the training ground in coaching or management capacities”.

Hessenthaler said at the time: “It’s time for me to look for that new challenge. I do want to get back into coaching, if there is an opportunity.

“I just want to be out coaching and if it’s a manager’s job, or a coaching job, I would be very interested.”

And the two-time Gills boss has teamed up with one of his former players, Lee Spiller, the co-founder and head coach at Soccer Elite.

Spiller said: “This landmark appointment with one of Kent’s best-known and well-respected coaches proves that Soccer Elite FA continues to innovate and excel, offering unrivalled opportunities for our players to learn the game from the very best.”