Gillingham have parted company with manager Andy Hessenthaler.

Hessenthaler (pictured) met with Gills chairman Paul Scally on Tuesday afternoon and a decision was made to terminate the manager’s contract.

Last week Mr Scally expressed his frustration at the club’s failure to win promotion to League 1 in the past two seasons.

A club statement said: "At a meeting between the chairman and manager Andy Hessenthaler today (Tuesday), it was agreed that the manager’s contract would be terminated and he would step down from his role as team manager with immediate effect.

"The Chairman would like to thank Andy for all his hard work and effort over the past two years and both he and Andy, whilst disappointed the club has not achieved its aims this season or last, want nothing but success for the club going forward."

Hessenthaler returned to the club at the beginning of last season, on a three year contract, with the job of guiding the Gills out of the basement division.

At the end of this season the Gills finished in eighth position, two points outside the play-offs. In their previous season they finished in the same position, missing out on goal difference.

Despite missing out at the weekend, and the pressure mounting due to supporter expectation, Hessenthaler spoke at the weekend about his desire to win promotion for the Gills.

It was his second spell as manager. He previously led the club in the Championship, where in 2003 he guided them to their highest ever league position.

He eventually left as their fortunes took a slide and he subsequently went onto have a successful spell as manager of Dover.

The statement continued: "Given the huge and invaluable contribution Andy has made to the club, the chairman has asked him to consider joining the board as a full company director, in a role that would assume responsibility and oversee all club football development, scouting, recruitment and all other football related matters. Andy has agreed to consider this offer over the next few days."

First team coach Nicky Southall will also be leaving the club.

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