Dover Athletic unveil Hessenthaler as their new manager

“Hess” is a well-known name in football - having played for Watford, Gillingham, Hull and Barnet in an illustrious Football League career spanning nearly 20 years.

Andy, 41, also had a four-year spell as player-manager for the Gills, successfully keeping the club in the Championship against all the odds.



WELCOME:  Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter (right) welcomes new manager Andy Hessenthaler to Crabble

Photograph and article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com

He hung up his boots from playing professional football this summer after a short spell at League Two club Barnet.

Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter told www.doverathletic.com : "Getting Andy to manage our side is something of a coup for us. He's a top manager and been successful at Championship level. He is a Kent lad through and through - and we're very excited about what Hess can bring to this club.

"He is without doubt a big name in the game - and we're a very ambitious club.

"We have challenged Andy to get this club promoted up the divisions. We want to reach the Football League one day - that's always been Dover Athletic's ultimate ambition. What an achievement that would be if Andy can take us all the way.

"Hess is well up for the challenge and is very excited about it. I've been in contact with him several times during the past few years when we've tried to get him here as a player.

"We've spoken at great lengths about what we want to achieve at Dover Athletic and Andy can't wait to get to work."

However, after two seasons at Ryman One level, everyone involved with Whites know what a tough division this is to get out of.

And Hess, who will be Dover Athletic’s 20th managerial appointment, is under no illusions how difficult winning promotion this season will be.

But he said: "I’m very excited about the challenge that lies ahead here at Crabble – and cannot wait to get started in helping this club get back up to where it belongs."

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com