Gillingham approach Dover Athletic for Hessenthaler

Monday 17th May 2010

GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has asked for permission to talk to Dover Athletic's Andy Hessenthaler regarding the vacant managerial job at Priestfield.

Hessenthaler has been linked with a return to Gillingham following the departure of Mark Stimson a week ago.

Dover chairman Jim Parmenter told BBC Radio Kent: "I rang Paul Scally this morning after a text from him. He was asking for permission to speak to Andy.

"I won't stand in his way provided that Dover is suitably compensated."

Mr Parmenter added: "I informed him that I thought it was a done deal because it was all over the press that he'd already decided to appoint Andy.

"He told me that he hadn't spoken to Andy and was seeking permission.

"I then confirmed the club's position that Andy is under contract at Dover Athletic, however I do have a gentleman's agreement that should he get the chance to progress to league football then I won't stand in his way.

"Before he has permission to speak to Andy we have to agree the compensation package should he decide to employ him as manager of Gillingham.

"Mr Scally has to appreciate that he is under contract and it's perfectly reasonable, even though we're only a little non-league club, to expect some recompense for the fact we've invested a lot of money in Andy over the years.

"We haven't been able to take matters further than that at the moment. We're quite a long way apart - that's all I can say on that."

Hessenthaler, who managed the Gills between 2000 and 2004, has refused to rule out a return but previously insisted he would not submit an application for the job at Priestfield.

Article courtesy of BBC Radio Kent: www.bbc.co.uk/kent/sport

Visit Dover Athletic's website: www.doverathletic.com