Andy Hessenthaler named new Gillingham manager

Andy Hessenthaler was a Gillingham player between 1996 and 2006

Relegated Gillingham have reappointed former boss Andy Hessenthaler as manager at the Priestfield Stadium.

Chairman Paul Scally has also confirmed the appointment of Mark Robson as the Gills' new assistant manager.

Hessenthaler, who was Gillingham's player-manager between 2000 and 2004, quit Blue Square South neighbours Dover Athletic on Thursday.

The 44-year-old former midfielder has been the front runner for the job since Mark Stimson's departure last week.

Hessenthaler first joined Gillingham as a player in 1996 after five years at Watford.

During his first stint at the Priestfield, he made more than 300 appearances over 10 years. And, after succeeding Peter Taylor as manager in 2000, he guided them to their highest-ever position in the Football League - 11th place in the second tier in the 2002/03 season.

Despite standing down as manager in November 2004, with the Gills second from bottom of the Championship, he remained at the club as a player.

He joined Hull on loan in January 2005 before finally leaving Gillingham 12 months later after nearly 10 years at the club to finish his playing career with a short spell at Barnet.

Appointed as Dover boss in 2007, Hessenthaler led them to back-to-back promotions but they lost in this season's play-offs.

Robson had been part of Stimson's coaching staff, having previously coached at Charlton, one of his former clubs as a player.