GILLINGHAM'S player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has hinted for the first time that he is considering hanging up his boots at the end of the season. The 36-year-old Priestfield boss has told friends he will make a decision in April but confessed he is finding combining the two jobs far tougher in his second season at the helm.

He revealed for the first time: "The injury in January was serious and took far more out of me than I imagined. Though I enjoy the challenge it is not easy doing two jobs and I have to say that it has become far tougher this season.

"I love playing, it means everything to me. Anyone who knows me knows that. But sooner or later I'm going to have to sit down with the people who matter and make a decision. It could be at the end of the season. Deep down, I'll know when the time comes and I won't kid myself."

For the first time, the Gills chief admitted it had been a mistake to recall himself for last Saturday's match at Manchester City which Gillingham lost 4-1. "With the benefit of hindsight, I shouldn't have played," he said. "I was terribly disappointed with my own performance. I was nowhere near sharp enough and needed more reserve games under my belt."

Hessenthaler has already ruled himself out of Saturday's match at Crewe.