Andy Hessenthaler has distanced himself from the No.2 job at Gillingham.

There has been speculation that new permanent manager Peter Taylor could turn to his old friend Hessenthaler as assistant boss.

Taylor kept Martin Allen’s backroom team throughout his interim role, including assistant manager John Schofield but could now make changes to those personnel.

Former Gills boss Hessenthaler is working as a scout for Championship side Burnley and coaching for the Soccer Elite academy.

He said: “I am happy with what I am doing. Peter is a good friend but John Schofield is there along with Carl Muggleton and Peter is happy with his staff and long may it continue.

“It’s good for me to be away from the football club, as my boy (Jake) is there and I am looking to see if he can get a chance. He will have to earn that right but he’s doing well at the moment.

“I will be back to watch but I am enjoying my work with Soccer Elite and Burnley.”

Taylor and Hessenthaler go back a long way, ever since a then 17-year-old Hessenthaler was taken to Dartford by their then player/manager Taylor, having impressed while playing for Corinthian.

In 1991, Taylor recommended Hessenthaler to Watford, who handed him his first professional contract.

The two were reunited at Gillingham almost a decade later after the Football Association controversially ended Taylor’s reign as England under-21 manager, opening the door for his arrival at Priestfield, where Hessenthaler was already a fans’ favourite.