ANDY HESSENTHALER issued this statement prior to stepping down as Gillingham manager on Tuesday:

“Following another difficult result at the weekend and much consideration I have taken the decision to step down as first team manager with immediate effect.

I discussed my feelings with the chairman on Monday and have thought about little else over the last 48 hours, but feel that I have given my very best over the past four years in an effort to always continue the progression of the team.

However, it would seem that maybe that is no longer enough and I have taken one of the most difficult decisions in my career so far.

Disappointed though I am that many of the problems encountered this season have been out of my control, I do understand that I am the manager and will therefore be held responsible. Rather than list any specific issues, I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in the last four years at Gillingham FC.

The success of any manager will always be linked to team results and unfortunately for me this season’s results just have not been good enough to avoid the inevitable.

Although recently some sections of the fans have been less supportive I do understand their frustrations. In fact, I am 100 per cent confident no other person could possibly have shown any more commitment or desire to turn this around than myself, but in the end it wasn’t enough and I think it is now best that someone views the situation with fresh eyes.

Finally, I would like my time as the manager of Gillingham to be remembered as fondly as the memories I will cherish.

Not many managers enjoy the success of four years management on a transfer budget of £100,000 whilst over the same period selling over £1.5m worth of talent without it eventually costing then their job, and to that end neither did I.”