Former Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has been appointed Leyton Orient boss on a full-time basis.

The 50-year-old became the club’s assistant manager in 2014 but was promoted to top boss in March after player-manager Kevin Nolan was stripped of his managerial duties.

Following the conclusion of the League Two season, where Orient failed to make the play-offs, club President Francesco Becchetti began the process of looking for a permanent manager.

The club confirmed that the former Gillingham manager has an option to extend his deal by a further year, should he prove to be a long-term success at the club.

Hessenthaler will become the club’s sixth permanent manager since owner Becchetti bought the club during the 2014/15 season and he will hope to lead the club back to League One.

Meanwhile, Hessenthaler and former Gillingham coach Darren Hare have launched K Sports at Cobdown Park in Ditton near Maidstone.

The pair will oversee the football side of the academy which includes hockey and squash at the site that’s set to see major redevelopment over the coming years.

Hessenthaler flew out to Thailand on Friday evening to take part in the Senior World Cup along with former Gills stars Nicky Southall and Ian Cox.