Andy Hessenthaler has been handed the Leyton Orient management job on a caretaker basis.

The former Gills player and manager takes charge of the League 2 side following the sacking of Ian Hendon.

Hendon, who was no.2 to Hessenthaler at Gillingham, was appointed manager of Leyton Orient in the summer, taking Hessenthaler with him as assistant manager.

The pair recruited a number of former Gillingham players, including Connor Essam, Jack Payne and Sean Clohessy.

Orient were looking for an immediate return to League 1 after last season’s relegation. Form of late, however, has been poor and a 3-1 home loss was the last straw for the owners.

A statement said: “Assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler will be assuming Ian's duties on an interim basis as caretaker manager.

“Leyton Orient will make an announcement at such time as a new appointment is made.

“The coaching and management team will continue to focus on realising the full potential of the team and will be working intensively to enhance the club's performance and position in the League.”

Hessenthaler – a legend as a player - had two spells as manager. He took the Gills to their highest league position in the Football League but eventually resigned with the club fighting against relegation in the Championship.

He returned to the club to try and steer them out of League 2 but couldn’t manage it after two seasons at the helm. He stayed on as director of football under Martin Allen for a while and was back again as no.2 under Peter Taylor.

He assisted in the interview process to appoint Justin Edinburgh and acted as his assistant before quitting for Orient in the summer.

Hessenthaler recently made headline news at Orient after the club’s president Francesco Becchetti was filmed aiming a kick at his coach after a win over Portsmouth on Boxing Day.

The incident was described as “banter” by Hessenthaler but the Football Association weren’t so keen to shrug the matter off.

Becchetti has been handed a six-game stadium ban and a £40,000 fine. The president is considering an appeal.