ANDY HESSENTHALER emerged beaming on an emotion-charged night for himself and his watching family as he celebrated the milestone of his 500 professional appearance with a Gillingham win in last night’s 1-0 success at Watford.

Before the match, Watford chairman Graham Simpson and Gillingham’s Paul Scally presented him with a framed Gillingham shirt bearing the number 500, a bottle of champagne and an inscribed plaque.

The Gills boss and former Watford captain, who has been roundly booed on previous returns to Vicarage Road, was acclaimed in a rousing reception from both sets of supporters that left him visibly moved - but in no mood to show his former club any generosity.

“It's been a great night and I was touched by the reception I’ve been given," he said afterwards. “But three points was the priority and I’m delighted we’ve taken them.