GILLINGHAM manager Andy Hessenthaler knows better than most just how formidable a foe Burnley manager Stan Ternent can be when aroused by failure.

The Hessenthalers and the Ternents have been holiday neighbours in Portugal, during which time Gillingham's player-manager has come to know his Burnley counterpart well.

Ternent, who celebrated 40 years in football with this week's publication of his autobiography, brings his Burnley side to Priestfield on Saturday smarting from last week’s 6-2 mauling at home by Rotherham.

Hessenthaler said: “Stan’s a pal of mine after meeting him a couple of times on holiday in Portugal.

“I know he'll have them fired up when they come to Gillingham because he'll want to get that Rotherham defeat out of their system."

Saturday's match marks the return to Priestfield from Bolton of crowd favourite Nicky Southall who could be promoted to the starting line-up after coming on as a substitute at Bradford and Sheffield Wednesday.

Gillingham's Mark Saunders, who sustained a kick on the shin at Hillsborough, is expected to be fit but Hessenthaler must decide whether to persevere with Leon Johnson at left-back or recall David Perpetuini.