ANDY HESSENTHALER made his debut for Barnet on Saturday after snubbing the chance to join Nationwide Conference side Gravesend & Northfleet.

The former Gills manager, who lives near Gravesend, opted for a move to League 2 Barnet despite being offered a comparable financial package from the Fleet.

Gravesend chairman Brian Kilcullen expressed his disappointment at losing out on Hessenthaler’s signature.

He said: "Andy is a local player who would have undoubtedly brought a lot of experience to our team.

"We are disappointed as our financial offer to Andy was not a problem but the lure of finishing his playing career in League football was the deciding factor for him."

Hessenthaler quit the Gills after a nine-and-a-half year stint, beginning the latest chapter of his career at Barnet’s Underhill Stadium on Saturday, after signing a deal until the end of the season.

The 40-year-old played the full 90 minutes as his new side held high-flying leaders Wycombe to a goalless draw.