ANDY Hessenthaler has been backed to turn Gillingham's fortunes around by former Priestfield manager Tony Pulis.

Gillingham have failed to win any of their last six league games, including a 1-1 draw at home to Pulis' Stoke City side on Saturday, dropping them down to 18th in the Division 1 table.

However, with 10 points still separating Gillingham from the relegation zone, Pulis is in no doubt Hessenthaler has the character and ability to pull the team away from any possible danger.

The ex-Gillingham boss said: "There is enough ability in the squad and I know Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler will not shirk from the task because he works as hard as a manager as he does as a player."

He stressed: "They are better than their league position suggests and I know they will soon prove the point."