IT LOOKED like the final whistle for the Lloyd’s Sports and Social Club until Andy Hessenthaler and Nicky Southall stepped in.

The club looked set to shut for good in the New Year, after an announcement by its owners that it had been put up for sale.

But ex-Gillingham manager Hessenthaler and current blues midfielder Nicky Southall teamed up and bought the club with the view to making it a top sports academy and a premier night spot.

The pair have purchased the premises, which includes a large sports hall, outdoor pitches, a bar and a function room, with the help of two other business partners.

A full scale refurbishment of the club is planned, including a name change to the Four Four Two Sports and Social Club.

Southall, a regular at the club, didn’t want to see the final whistle blown on the venue.

He said: “I first heard it was for sale when I was playing snooker at the club. I realised what a great opportunity it was, but couldn’t afford to buy it on my own. I approached Hessy who said yes. Neither of us have had a business ourselves, but we really want to give it a go.”

Hessenthaler, who was recently named the greatest Gillingham player of all time by the Professional Footballers’ Association, hopes to boost coaching facilities at the club.

He said: “There are some great sports teams here, we want to build on that by offering our knowledge and experience. We’re also looking to improve the facilities. An all-weather pitch is top of our list.”

The club makes the majority of its money through a members-only bar and function room. So it is no surprise the pair plan to refurbish these areas first.

The current bar will be Hessy’s Sports Bar, while the function room will be known as the Southall Function Suite.