Andy Hessenthaler is determined to see Gillingham promoted as he looks poised to be named their new boss.
Dover boss makes promotion vow to Gills
Andy Hessenthaler is determined to take Gillingham back into League One as he looks poised to be appointed their new boss.
The 44-year-old former Watford star is currently player/manager at Blue Square South club Dover Athletic, where he has enjoyed significant success.
But Gills chairman Paul Scally has reportedly made an official approach for Hessenthaler, who played and managed the Kent club in the Championship during over four years at the helm.
Sacked
Mark Stimson was sacked as manager last week after the Gills were dumped into League Two on the final day of the season after just one year in the tier above.
And it is understood Hessenthaler is on the brink of becoming Stimson's successor, with his eye already on promotion back to League One.
"I will be looking to take the club straight back up," Hessenthaler told
The Sun. "It is a club dear to my heart and shouldn't be in League Two.
"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to and I can't wait to get cracking."
Dover chairman Jim Parmenter confirmed his club will not stand in the way of Hessenthaler's move and said he will be released from his deal on the South East coast once a suitable compensation package is agreed.
"We've a gentlemen's agreement with Andy that the club won't block his chance to get back into League management," said Parmenter.
"Paul Scally has been in touch but a compensation agreement needs to be sorted before we'll let Andy go as he is under contract.
"He's done a great job for us - and we'll be sorry to see him go. But life goes on, and we'll be advertising the vacancy and looking to replace him as soon as possible."
Denied
However, Gills chairman Scally has denied the link with Hessenthaler, insisting he has had no communication with the former player or indeed any other candidates regarding the vacant managerial post.
"I decided last week to do nothing, nor speak to anyone, until this week," Scally told Gillingham's
official website.
"I have received over 40 applications for the job so far and I intend to start looking at them this week.
"I do not know where the story has come from."
