ANDY HESSENTHALER has finally signed a new three-year deal as Gillingham’s player-manager.

The 38-year-old said: “I’m glad it’s done and dusted. The chairman has said some complimentary things about me as a player, manager and as a person.

“But when your contract is up in just a few months time it’s nice to have your future sorted out.”

Mr Scally added: “The new contract enables Andy to carry on playing for the next three years if he feels up to it. He has never given less than 100 per cent to the club, both on and off the field and I’m delighted he has agreed to stay with us.”

Hessenthaler said after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace that he would make a decision over whether to retire playing at the end of the season.