New Orient assistant boss Andy Hessenthaler admitted it was a very difficult decision to leave his role as a coach at Gillingham.

Hessenthaler is leaving Priestfield to join up with new O's head coach Ian Hendon at Brisbane Road with the pair reunited again after previously working together at Barnet and Gillingham.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision as I’ve had a 20-year relationship with Gillingham and I love the football club," he told the Gills website.

“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. 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.”

Gillingham boss Justin 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.”