Since taking over in May 2010, Hessenthaler had guided the Kent club to two consecutive eighth place finishes, narrowly missing out on the play-offs on both occasions.
But chairman Paul Scally believes that Hessenthaler’s time at the Priestfield Stadium was not successful as the Gills embark on a third straight year in League Two.
Speaking to BBC South East today Scally said: “With the quality squad we had, two seasons was enough to see if we could get out of the division. If you don't achieve success you don't often keep your job.”
Hessenthaler has had two spells in charge, he joined as a player in 1996 and became player-manager four years later before leaving in November 2004.
Following the Gills’ relegation from the third tier of English Football in 2010, the former midfielder rejoined the club but couldn’t guide them back into League One.
In total Hessenthaler had taken charge of 329 matches, winning 116 of them providing eight years of service.
Scally admits the decision to relieve the man who guided the Gills to their highest ever Football League placing in 2003, was not an easy one to make.
He continued: “Much as it was a difficult decision for me, in my heart I believe it is the right decision. He cares about the club and he knows the only way we are judged is by success, not by what we do off the field.”
The search for a new manager has begun with Scally revealing that he has already received a large number of applications for the vacancy.
He added: “I've been inundated with agents and so far we're up to about 40. I haven't even started looking at them and I've got a completely open mind. We'll decide on a shortlist of who we would want to see.”
Meanwhile, Hessenthaler has been given the opportunity to join the Kent club’s board, in a reshuffle that signals Gillingham’s clear intentions of gaining promotion at the next attempt.
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