The legend returns, didn’t we all know that one day, sooner rather than later, Andy Hessenthaler would walk back through Priestfield Stadium’s front door to once again manage the club that he loves.Following a whistle stop weekend excursion to Dubai to meet Chairman Scally, he was appointed the club’s successor to Mark Stimson with Mark Robson taking up the role of Assistant Manager.
Whilst a few might have reservations about his return, it is mostly borne out of concern that his reputation, both as a player and a manager, would become tarnished should this tenure end in failure.
Following the shambolic last day performance at Wycombe in particular, and season-long on the road in general, the club’s supporters needed a figure head that would re-unite the fan base and, if nothing else, Andy Hessenthaler fits that bill to a tee. Mark Stimson was a divisive character that didn’t have the backing of a large section of Gillingham’s following from the outset. Unless it goes horribly wrong, Hess will never have to suffer this negativity.
Ironically, the stick that was used to beat Stimson, his non-league background, is a fundamental part of the CV that Hessenthaler brought to Paul Scally’s table over the weekend. Two promotions and a play-off defeat took Dover to the brink of a return to the Conference under the little man.
In the six years that he has been away, Hess has continued to play his part on the field, but this time there will be no registration as a player, his sole concentration being on management. Six years older, six years wiser and surely the challenge to get out of the lowest division cannot be as difficult as his previous task, that of staying in England’s second tier.
From the depths of depression, suddenly the news surrounding the club is vibrant again. Once again, fans are looking forward to the new season despite the fact it is to be played in the bottom division. The smallest man with the biggest heart ever to wear a Gillingham shirt is back, let the good times roll.
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