Hessenthaler leaves Gills

Former Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has left the club after nine-and-a-half years.

The 40-year-old has agreed a settlement to his contract at The Priestfield Stadium and leaves the club he joined in a £235,000 deal from Watford in August 1996.

His time included a tenure as player-manager of The Gills following his appointment as Peter Taylor's successor in 2000.

Last season, Hessenthaler stepped down from the manager's post before heading out on loan to then League One side Hull City.

He leaves the Kent-based outfit after making 360 appearances and scoring 28 goals for the club and revealed his sadness at parting ways with The Gills.

"It's pretty sad as I have been here for a long time, but we have come to an agreement and it is time for me to move on," said Hessenthaler.

"I have had some fantastic times here and I just felt that it is time for me to move on to a new challenge.

"I have nothing lined up but am not going to retire from playing, as I feel I can still do a job until the end of the season for somebody. The legs are still going.

"Hopefully, I can get a club and have a run out until the end of the season.

"I would like to get back into coaching or managing and that is where I see my future."