Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has today left the club for a second time by mutual consent.

The former Gills midfielder has left Priestfield along with coach Nicky Southall just two years into a three year contract.

The following statement from Gillingham Football Club reads:

“At a meeting between the Chairman and manager Andy Hessenthaler today, it was agreed that the manager’s contract would be terminated and he would step down from his role as team manager with immediate effect.”

“The chairman would like to thank Andy for all his hard work and effort over the past two years and both he and Andy, whilst disappointed the club has not achieved its aims this season or last, want nothing but success for the club going forward.”

“Given the huge and invaluable contribution Andy has made to the club, the chairman has asked him to consider joining the Board as a full Company Director in a role that would assume responsibility and oversee all club football development, scouting, recruitment and all other football related matters. Andy has agreed to consider this offer over the next few days.”

“In light of the above, Nicky Southall will be leaving the club forthwith. We wish him every success in the future.”

Hessenthaler first signed for the club in August 1996 and was player/manager between June 2000 and November 2004 when he left the club by “mutual consent”.

He was re-appointed manager in June 2010 after leaving Dover Athletic and leaves the club after finishing eighth in League Two for the past two seasons.

So, the search for a new manager begins with Chairman Paul Scally set to look at all the candidates before making a decision on the next boss.

Meanwhile, the departure of Hessenthaler for a second time puts the planned meetings with players, both in and out of contract, into some doubt.

More to follow…..