Andy Hessenthaler has left Dover Athletic to become Head of Recruitment at League Two Gillingham.
The move was announced on Thursday minutes after the National League South Whites confirmed the departure of their manager Hessenthaler, who had his contract cancelled by mutual consent.
Hessenthaler was in his second spell at Dover after returning midway through the 2018/19 campaign following the departure of Chris Kinnear.
He was in charge last season as the Whites were relegated from the top flight having started on -12 points after not finishing the previous season.
A club statement from Dover Chairman Jim Parmenter said: “Andy has given terrific service to the club and assisted me in navigating some very difficult times.
“I want to place on record our gratitude for his efforts, understanding and hard work during his time at the club.
“We remain good friends and Hess will be welcome at Crabble at any time.”
Dover will now begin the search for a new manager with Mitch Brundle and Mike Sandmann taking interim charge of the side for the time being with their first test coming against Hungerford Town on Saturday afternoon.
As for Hessenthaler, the 57-year-old had played 350 games for the Gills and he lead them to their highest ever finish as a manager – 11th in the Championship.
So, it's a nostalgic return for the former Watford midfielder alongside the experienced Kenny Jacket who also has three football league promotions to his name and has also joined the Gills as director of football.
By Josh Knowles
