Leaving Gillingham was an incredibly difficult decision, says Orient bound Andy Hessenthaler

ANDY HESSENTHALER has agreed to become Leyton Orient’s new assistant manager on a two year deal.

Hessenthaler, 49, will team up with new boss Ian Hendon once more having been team-mates at Barnet and together briefly at Dover Athletic before Hendon served as number two to Hess on his return to Priestfield as manager in the summer of 2010.

Hendon departed a year later to become development coach at West Ham United, but following the departure of Sam Allardyce earlier this summer Hendon also left the club and soon agreed a deal at Brisbane Road.

Hessenthaler's contract at Orient will commence on July 1.

Hessenthaler told www.gillinghamfootballclub.com: “This was an incredibly difficult decision as I’ve had a 20-year relationship with Gillingham and I love the Football Club.

“However, I felt it’s a fresh challenge for me, I’ll be working with Ian again who I’ve spent time with in the past and I look forward to what lies ahead.

“That said I’m disappointed to be cutting short my working relationship with Justin (Edinburgh). He’s been fantastic since he walked through the door and he’s definitely the right person to take this club forward.

“We’ve become close friends and I wish him, and everybody at the club, the very best of luck.”

Edinburgh added: “I’m sad to see Andy go but I understand his decision and I can only offer him success in his new role.

“He’s been excellent since I arrived at the club in February, we’ve worked very well together and I’m sure everyone will be as grateful for his efforts as I am, and wish him well in the challenge that he now takes on.”

A statement from The League One club added: “Gillingham FC would like to place on record its thanks and gratitude to Andy Hessenthaler for everything he has done while at the club and we wish him well in his new position.”

Visit Gillingham’s website: www.gillinghamfootballclub.com