GILLS boss Andy Hessenthaler has spoken for the first time of his desire to manage at a top club. Hessenthaler was recently linked to the Hull job but has said he has no interest in moving to Boothferry Park but he's made no secret that he has his eyes on bigger things in the near future.

For the time being he's happy with his role at Priestfield. He said: "I am ambitious and if the right opportunity came along I would be lying if I said I wouldn't consider it. Whether that be in the Premiership or a bigger club in the First Division, I don't know. I would have to think about any such opportunity at the time.

"My chairman knows I'm ambitious and I'm sure he wouldn't stand in my way, but I am happy at Gillingham. Maybe I can take them into the Premiership in the next four or five years, if I'm still here. I'm just concentrating on that.

"If Hull did approach me, I wouldn't be interested. They are a massive club but to me it would be a step back if I went there. I am the manager of a First Division team, who will be in the First Division again next season, and this is the place to be."

Hessenthaler said: "Although I have lived in the south all my life, I wouldn't have a problem moving north. Football is in my blood and it might be a case that if I did move my family wouldn't come with me. It would be very difficult to take my children out of their school. It's all very hypothetical at the moment."

Elsewhere, Adrian Pennock's continuing rehabilitation has been put on hold after the recent reserve team game at Bristol Rovers was washed out for the second time in 48 hours. Ben White has turned down the chance to join Dr Martens Premier Division side Welling after returning to Priestfield.