Hessenthaler and Southall run a sports and social club in Gillingham

Veteran Gillingham midfielder Nicky Southall has dropped three divisions to sign for Ryman Premier League side Dover Athletic on a month's loan.

The 36-year-old, in his third spell at Priestfield, has fallen out of favour with Gills manager Mark Stimson.

He teams up with Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler, his team-mate and manager in his first two spells at the League Two club.

Gillingham have allowed Southall to play for Dover in the FA cup.

I'm staggered he's signed for us. No disrespect to this league, but Nicky is a class above Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler

Hessenthaler, who has recently gone into business with Southall, told BBC Radio Kent: "It's a massive bonus, we didn't need to strengthen in Nicky's position but when a player of his quality comes up you have to take it up."

He also told the Dover website: "I'm staggered he's signed for us. No disrespect to this league, but Nicky is a class above."

Southall told BBC Radio Kent: "I didn't want to travel any distance for family reasons. I had a bad time when I was at Bolton when I was sent to Norwich on loan and was away from my family for three months."

"Of course I want to play for Gillingham again. I want to come here to Dover and get my fitness back and hopefully I'll get to run out in front of the Priestfield fans again."

Southall made his debut for Dover on Tuesday night and helped them go top of the Ryman Premier Division by beating Hendon 2-0.

Gillingham have also allowed full-back Sean Clohessy to join Salisbury City on trial and midfielder Charlie Howard to join Dulwich Hamlet on a month's loan.

There is commentary of Saturday's game between Gillingham and Shrewsbury on BBC Radio Kent.