ANDY HESSENTHALER finally called time on his Gillingham career after agreeing to terminate his contract.

The 40-year-old expressed his sadness at leaving the club but felt it was the right time to do so.

He said: "I've been at the club for a long while but we've come to an agreement and its time for me to move on.

"I've had some fantastic times here and I feel its now time for a new challenge."

Hessenthaler isn't quite ready to hang up his boots and believes he still has something to offer on the playing front.

"I'm not going to retire from playing," he said. "Obviously I want to get back into coaching or managing but we'll have to wait and see."

Chairman Paul Scally spoke of his admiration for the former player-manager.

He said: "Andy's been with us for 10 years and has been a tremendous servant to the club."

Hessenthaler will be back for one last appearance at Priestfield, when the club host his testimonial match, with Premiership side West Ham being lined up for a fixture next month.