Dover Athletic and Andy Hessenthaler have parted company with the former manager now linked with a return to Gillingham.

The former Gills boss was in attendance as the League Two side lost Stevenage on Monday and a return to Priestfield in some capacity could be on the cards.

Having left Crabble by mutual consent, Dover Athletic have issued the following statement:

“Dover Athletic Football Club can today confirm the departure of manager Andy Hessenthaler, who leaves the club by mutual consent after his contract was cancelled, with immediate effect.

Hessenthaler returned to Crabble for a second time 15 games into the 2018/19 campaign following the departure of Chris Kinnear.

Mitch Brundle and Mike Sandmann will take joint interim charge of the team for the next few games, starting at Hungerford Town on Saturday, whilst we consider a more permanent structure for the future.

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: “Andy has given terrific service to the Club and assisted me in navigating some very difficult times.

“I wish to place on record our gratitude for his efforts, understanding, and hard work during his time at the Club.

“He is a man of integrity and decency, and I am sure he will be successful in his next role.

“We remain good friends and Hess will be welcome at Crabble at any time.”

Everyone at the club wishes Andy all the very best for the future.”

With new owner Brad Galinson having met Hessenthaler at Stevenage, speculation that the former manager could be coming back to Priestfield has gathered momentum.

Rumours that Hessenthaler could return to the club in a Head of Recruitment role have gained traction in recent weeks and a return would be welcomed by many, although it could also cast some uncertainty on Neil Harris’ future at the club.

With Marc Bircham also pictured with Hessenthaler at Stevenage, doubts as to whether either or the pair could be coming to Gillingham started to surface.

Should Hessenthaler return to Gillingham, it would be yet another return to the club where he made his name as a dynamo midfielder.

Hessenthaler leaves Dover Athletic sitting 15th in the National South and his replacement will have their work cut out to take the club in a new direction.

Meanwhile, former Millwall manager Kenny Jackett has also been linked with a move to Gillingham in a Director of Football role, although Hessenthaler has been widely tipped for this position as well.

It’s going to be an interesting coming hours and days at Priestfield….

Picture supplied by Ed Boyden Photography.