Adam Birchall celebrates one of the many goals he scored at Dover

by Luke Cawdell

Adam Birchall is thrilled to be back working with the man who helped save his career.

The striker was contemplating quitting football after falling out of love with the game after his release from Arsenal.

He had spells at Wycombe, Mansfield and Barnet but it was only when he joined Hessenthaler at non-league Dover two years ago that he got the bug back.

Birchall said: "It means the world to be back playing with him (Hessenthaler) because he was one of the main reasons for me going to Dover.

"I had a chance to stay full-time and I could have played in League 2. I had a number of offers but it was just how I felt about football at the time. I did contemplate quitting.

"I took a step back and am grateful to Dover for giving me a chance to go there and now I am so excited to be playing for Gillingham."

Birchall and Hessenthaler were team-mates at Barnet where the striker played under Ian Hendon.

"Hess was a big influence for me," said Birchall.

"He has that way about him as a manager. You listen to him and everything he says makes sense, he wants to get the best from you.

"I am so excited about working with him again and I know it’s going to do my career good for the future."

Birchall’s season under Hessenthaler at Dover was hindered by a three-month injury absence but last season he scored 45 goals, including a stunner at Priestfield as Whites knocked the Gills out of the FA Cup.

The Gills were joined by AFC Wimbledon and Swindon for Birchall’s signature which meant a frantic week for the 26-year-old. He met with Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio on Sunday and had a medical at Wimbledon on Monday before agreeing a three-year deal with the Gills on Tuesday.

"It’s been a busy few days," said Birchall, with a big smile. "I couldn’t wait to get down to Gills and speak to the chairman and Hess about what it is they are building at the club. They’ve captured my imagination and the rest is history now."

The Maidstone-based striker, who works for the Pro Soccer Academy, has always been a follower of the Gills after following his close friend Andrew Crofts through the ranks.

He said: "I have always had a connection with the Gills and always loved to watch them play. I watched a few games last year and they ticked all the right boxes for me."

Birchall knows he can’t live off past glories and is determined to make a name for himself at Priestfield.

"People can forget about you and I have learned the hard way," he said. "I am going to be working so hard on the training ground and the pitch and giving 110 per cent in everything I do to get the best out of myself and continue with the form I had last year."