Gillingham FC is in big trouble.
We're in trouble because the manager can't rectify the growing problems with his team.
Many of his players seem demotivated and not up for the fight. They start slowly and when they concede the towel is thrown in.
These players are capable of so much more, yet they play with no passion, no commitment and no heart. Those three things have been the backbone of Gillingham's success. Now the passion, commitment and heart has gone from the side, Gillingham will go only one way - down.
There have been rumours that the manager has lost the dressing room. With bizarre substitutions, strange team selection and the apparent blindness to his own form as well as that of his captain and some of the other senior players, you can see why.
I think it's time to be honest and name names.
Hessenthaler is not good enough - either as a player at 39 years old, or as a manager. His tactics are League Two standard, not Championship standard. He continually picks the wrong players, and picks others out of position to accommodate his favourites, who are clearly no longer up to it. His lack of discipline on the pitch is also disgraceful.
Wayne Jones seems to offer nothing in the way of coaching. The team has actually got worse since we were promised they were working on their problems after the Stoke defeat. His motionless stature on the touchline offers no encouragement for the players OR the supporters who can see it all going wrong on the pitch.
Paul Smith has proved over the last 12 months that he is no captain - and is no Championship midfielder. He's too old, too slow and totally un-inspirational. The captain should reflect the side he leads out onto the pitch. Sadly, he does. Right now we're a weak side with a weak captain.
Chris Hope's commitment seems to have gone. He arrived as a well-rounded centre half with real leadership abilities. Now he is one dimensional, can't pass and fails to marshal his defence. He seems to have deteriorated as a player under Hessenthaler.
Ian Cox's confidence has gone. A good centre back, being played at right back has ruined him as a player. He is too hesitant, gets caught out of position and loses possession too easily.
Danny Spiller's form has also been badly affected by the manager. Playing him out of position has dramatically reduced his effectiveness and has done his confidence no good at all. Why was he moved? So the manager and the captain can play in the centre. Both aren't good enough to play there any more.
I feel for Paul Scally. He's backed Hessenthaler to the hilt ever since his appointment - and I think they are probably good friends. However, Scally now must start thinking about the future of the club and act accordingly. After a pretty good start to life in this division, Hessenthaler seems to have lost the plot and I'm afraid he has to go. The heart of the club is dying and it needs to be replaced, starting with the manager and his assistant.
The club needs a new manager, new coaching staff, a new captain and a new start. It needs to happen soon, or that new start will be as a League One side next season.