Andy Hessenthaler (left) and Nicky Southall are in charge at Gillingham

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler insists he is in no rush to appoint a new number two.

Hessenthaler has been working without an official assistant manager since the departure of Ian Hendon to West Ham during pre-season.

Funds remain tight at Priestfield, particularly since stretching the budget further with last week’s loan signing of Frank Nouble.

Hessenthaler is currently operating with only first team coach Nicky Southall and part-time goalkeeping coach Ron Hillyard as the main back-room staff.

"At the moment there is no need (for a replacement)," said Hessenthaler.

"Financially it helps us not having to bring an extra member of staff in and the budget is tight. We are over the budget on the player side.

"Unless we get the opportunity to bring someone in we will get on with things as they are at the moment. If someone comes along and we are able to fill the void we will do it but at the moment we are going along okay."

Hessenthaler has spoken to several possible candidates and had been helped by youth boss Darren Hare, before he returned to concentrate on the club’s scholars.

"It’s not an easy job and between myself and Nicky there is a lot to take on," said the Gills boss.

"Darren did a little bit with us but we are making him focus on the youth team primarily because that is what he does.

"Nicky and myself do the managing, coaching and scouting - we pretty much do everything. That’s part of being at this football club, you have to muck in, I’m happy to do it.

"It’s not easy at times and Nicky puts every hour he can do into the football club and so do I.

"People have to be realistic. This is the second division, it’s not the Championship or Premiership and your resources are limited. That’s how it is. We understand that and we get on with it."

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