Andy Hessenthaler: Gillingham in limbo after Peter Taylor sacking

Hessenthaler returned to Gillingham as assistant manager last summer

Andy Hessenthaler says there is a level of uncertainty at Gillingham while chairman Paul Scally searches for a successor to sacked boss Peter Taylor.

Hessenthaler, 49, is part of a four-man caretaker management team who have been in charge since Taylor was dismissed.

"Everybody is in a bit of limbo at the moment as nobody really knows what is going on," he told BBC Radio Kent.

"I am sure it will be sorted pretty quickly and everyone can settle down and get on with the job in hand."

Taylor was sacked on New Year's Eve, with the Gills one place above the League One relegation zone, despite having won two of his last four matches in charge.

Hessenthaler, who was assistant manager under Taylor, is in joint charge of the Gills alongside academy manager Darren Hare, under-18s coach Steve Lovell and development squad coach Mark Patterson.

"People will say four people can't do the job but we are experienced guys and we see it as a healthy debate really," he said.

"We are assisting each other in this tricky situation and we all want what is right for the football club.

"We pick a team together and that is what we have been told to do by the chairman. We will keep doing that until told different."

Hessenthaler (right) was appointed assistant manager by Peter Taylor (left) last summer and the 49-year-old says he has endured "a sad and a tough time" since Taylor's sacking

Hessenthaler has previously had two spells in charge of the Kent club, as player-manager from June 2000 until November 2004 and as boss from summer 2010 until May 2012.

He has ruled himself out of a third permanent spell in charge, but is open to remaining at the Priestfield Stadium in a coaching capacity once a new manager is appointed.

"When the new guy comes in there is a good young squad here that he will be able to put his stamp on," he said.

"I am sure that will happen quickly while the window is open so that he can bring his own philosophy and players to the club.

"That will hopefully be resolved quickly so that can happen.

"If I'm wanted I'd love to stay and assist him. We'll have to wait and see when that happens."

Meanwhile, midfielder Michael Doughty has been recalled from his loan spell at Gillingham by parent club Queens Park Rangers.