Andy Hessenthaler opened the way for a return to Gillingham today by resigning from his position as manager of Dover Athletic.

Hessenthaler has been the front-runner for the vacant manager’s job at Priestfield since the departure of Mark Stimson on May 10.

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally had requested permission from Dover chief Jim Parmenter to talk to Hessenthaler about the vacancy but it was refused because a future compensation package had not been offered.

Dover announced the decision on their website late on Thursday morning.

Mr Parmenter said: "We had a very amicable meeting yesterday where we discussed his future at the club in light of the approach from Gillingham.

"We agreed that it was in Dover Athletic’s interest – and his – that we had a swift outcome to this as any uncertainty is not good.

"He goes with our very best wishes and I would like to say that he has acted very professionally in all my dealings with him. It’s been a pleasure to work with Andy."

Mr Scally is currently in Dubai, where he is based, assessing the potential candidates for the post and will now be free to speak to Hessenthaler.

Hessenthaler, 44, has guided Dover to two successive promotions and is still highly regarded by Gillingham fans following his stint as player and then player/manager.

He was a key member of the playing squad that helped the Gills to promotion into Division 1 (now the Championship) in 2000 and then as manager he guided the club to their highest ever position, finishing 11th in that division in the 2002/03 season.

He first joined the Gills in 1996, having been signed by Tony Pulis from Watford, and he went onto make over 300 appearances as the club reached new heights.

Hessenthaler quit as manager midway through the 2004/05 season with the club struggling at the wrong end of the table. When Stan Ternent was appointed manager he went out on loan to Hull City and the Gills suffered relegation. He returned for the start of the following season and became the oldest ever player to appear for the club, at 40 years and four months.

In January 2006 Hessenthaler finally left the Gills, to join Barnet, and when he left there he went onto become a success as manager at Dover.

Throughout his stay at Dover he has always maintained his desire to return to the league - and Gillingham.

This week he said: "I’ve been honest since the day I walked into the football club. I’ve always said I wanted to manage in the Football League - it’s my ambition.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn’t interested. I am interested."