Hess set to ring the changes

Hessenthaler said, "He is our player and is back with us. he has clearly done well at Swindon, so let's see what he can do here."

Hess is clearly feeling the heat after a series of shocking performances have seen the Gills crowd voice their discontent in recent weeks.

"We have got to do something; I think the fans are looking for a change.

"If we kept the same team and got beat we 'd be slaughtered - and quite rightly."

One criticism of Hessenthaler has been his apparent reluctance to use the younger players in the squad, despite the poor form of the more experienced pros currently in the side. It seems now Hessenthaler, devoid of other options following the collapse of loan bids for Darren Carter and Gary O'Neil, will now give youth a chance.

"We haven't got many alternatives, so we'll give some of the younger players a go. We owe it to them if nothing else."

The situation regarding the collapsed loan deals has been a huge disappointment for fans and manager alike - and Hessenthaler certainly hasn't been helped by the situation.

"We have been shafted a couple of times - over Gary O'Neil, who's gone to Cardiff and Darren Carter who chose Sunderland instead of Priestfield. But that's probably down to who we are and the money being offered by others.

"I can tell you it's a tough time right now. The most testing time for me as a manager."

With his side's form at an all-time low during his tenure, the spotlight is firmly on Hessenthaler to turn things around on the training ground and deliver the sort of performances worthy of the club. But despite the hugely disappointing performances turned in by the team this season and the resulting league position, he insists the club is not in a relegation battle.

"The league is not won or lost in September so it's well early to say we are in a relegation battle," he said

"We all want to win games, do well and get up the table.

"I don't feel any pressure as manager to be honest. I do as a player. I only put pressure on myself really - to do well. The chairman is not putting any pressure on me.

"The chairman is as down as I am at the moment. He wants us to do well. I'll keep going, keep working hard. There is no chance of me thinking about walking away.

"I'm under contract for three-years here and I'll keep working."

With the next ten matches providing the sternest of tests for Hessenthaler, the future of Gillingham in the Championship - and maybe Hessenthaler as Gills manager - hinges on the gaffer turning the club around. Quickly.