Andy Hessenthaler believes his son Jake could thrive now he has stepped away from the Gills.

Comparisons between father and son have constantly been made since young Jake Hessenthaler won a professional contract at Priestfield.

Hessenthaler decided to take up the offer of the no.2 position at Leyton Orient on Monday, leaving the Gills in need of a new assistant manager.

But the former Gills all-action midfielder believes it could be a good move for his 21-year-old son.

“He knows what he has to do,” said Hessenthaler.

“He is very level-headed and he is a strong character mentally.

“I am sure a lot of people will be saying it’s probably good I have gone because it lets him get on and that may be the case.

“A lot of people try and compare us two and it is not easy for him but he will be fine.”

Hessenthaler junior has 64 Gillingham appearances under his belt already and returned to training this week looking to win a regular place in Justin Edinburgh’s League 1 side.

“He is growing up now and getting more and more confident,” said Gills former two-time manager.

“He has quite a few games under his belt and he knows what he has to do to prove to the gaffer that he is worthy being in the team next season.”

For Hessenthaler senior, it will be a new challenge, at a club aiming to win a place back in League 1 following last season’s relegation.

He will be working as assistant to former Gills coach Ian Hendon, who was previously no.2 under Hessenthaler at Priestfield.

“The pressure is on,” he said. “We had a disappointing year last year but there is a good core there and hopefully we can bounce back with the new additions that Ian is looking to bring in.”