Andy Hessenthaler is considering his options after leaving Gillingham and having cycled 200 miles around Kent over the weekend.

The former Gillingham manager and Director of Football left the club a few weeks ago to look for another job back in the managerial hotseat within football, but spent the past three days in the saddle as he joined the Tour de Kent team as they cycled around 21 football grounds in Kent to raise money for two great charities.

Hessenthaler was joined on the ride by great friends Darren Hare and Mark Patterson for the entire 200 miles with Jack Payne, Connor Essam, Jake Hessenthaler and Josh Hare all taking part on the first day of the ride that left Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.

A couple of hundred cyclists of all abilities left Gillingham at 9:30am on Saturday heading for Sittingbourme, with the majority of the pack heading on to Margate by the end of the day.

Hessenthaler and co then put that fifty mile ride behind them as they got back on their bikes on Sunday for the grueling 80 mile stretch along the coast and then back up to Maidstone.

Monday’s run saw around 100 cyclists complete the 200 mile round trip back to Priestfield via Tonbridge, Dartford and Gravesend with almost £50,000 raised for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and Take a Heart Mercy Mission.

Having spent three days on his bike, Hessenthaler spoke exclusively to KSN back at Gillingham Football Club and explained that the Tour de Kent had been one of the hardest, but most satisfing experiences of his life:

“After doing the London Marathon last month, to do that 200 miles has to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was quite grueling at time with the first day being ok.”

“The second day was quite tough though doing about 80 miles and I was glad to get back to the hotel and have a bit of a rest.

“It was a tough three days, but it was great for the two charities and hopefully we have raised a lot of money.”

“It’s been a great three days, I’ve met some lovely people who have put their bodies on the line for two great charities.”

The former Gills boss went on to explain how it was one of the most rewarding things he’s ever done after completing the 200 miles with brother-in-law Darren Hare, Gillingham’s Youth Team Manager, who cycled just two years after having suffered multiple heart attacks:

“For him to have cycled that 200 miles after having had his heart attacks, he got quite emotional at the end, so it was very satisfying.”

“It was a fantastic achievement for him, so I was really pleased.”

One of the charities that will benefit from the Tour de Kent is CRY who screen young athletes for heart conditions and only a few years ago Andy’s son Jake was one of those that was referred to a cardiologist after screening and the former Gills manager told KSN how important it is that young pros are checked out:

“When Jake got picked up on the screening, it was a bit of a worry for us as a family, but that just goes to show now that these young boys and us older boys, you need to get your screening done and get yourself checked.”

“The Chairman (Paul Scally) lost his son at a young age due to a heart problem and that was such a tragedy.”

Along the route, the cyclists stopped at 21 of Kent’s football grounds and Hessenthaler explained how he was relieved to have seen each one, but it brought back memories:

“I think I’ve played at every ground, even Rochester United, so it was nice to go around and visit all of the non league grounds.”

“It was great to see all of the grounds and there was a lot of banter flying around as went between them.”

“Roger Maddams, who organised it, did a fantastic job and eveyone along the way were great to us and looked after us so well.”

With the ride now behind him, Hessenthaler told KSN how he plans to have a few days rest, but is on the lookout for a new job within the game:

“I’m on long term holiday at the moment because I’m looking for a job, but I will have a little break and then see what comes up in the next few weeks, but after the last three days I think I could do with a few days off!”

“I haven’t had any calls as yet, but I will become pro-active as they say in the next few weeks.”

“I just want to see what develops and I might get a phone call. You just never know and I have spoken to a couple of people about a few situations, but nothing has materialised at the moment.”

Meanwhile, it is believed Gillingham manager Martin Allen is in Dubai holding talks with Chairman Paul Scally.