Hessenthaler's side have won just three of their last 18 games

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has warned his entire squad that they will be put on the transfer list if performances do not improve.

The Gills lost 2-0 to Hessenthaler's old club and lower division neighbours Dover in the FA Cup on Saturday.

"There is a virus at this club and we have to get rid of it somehow. If that means putting everyone on the transfer list then so be it," said Hessenthaler.

"Let's see how many teams come in for our players. I bet there aren't many."

Gillingham started the season as favourites to win promotion from League Two, but they are now 20th with just three wins in all competitions so far.

There is a challenge ahead and I want to take that challenge on. There is no way I will be walking away from this football club Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler

After the game fans vented their anger at Gills chairman Paul Scally, but Hessenthaler maintains they are targeting their abuse at the wrong man.

He said: "I feel sorry for the chairman. He's been here for 16 years and he should not take that criticism.

"The players and I are responsible for today, not the chairman.

Hessenthaler, in his second spell as manager, has vowed to stick with the task of turning the season around and believes he is the best man for the job.

"I took this club to the highest place in its history as manager. I did alright then and I know what I have to do this time. I believe in my own ability and the chairman believes he has the right man," he said.

"If it means staying here until one or two o'clock in the morning to get the right people in then so be it. It isn't easy to attract players but the battle is on.

"I can look at myself in the mirror, I want to work here and I want to keep working my socks off until I turn this around, so that is what we will do.

606: DEBATE Leave Hessy to rebuild a team that has some of that old pride and passion to it. We have to restructure fast with no money to do it with, and we'll just have to get on with it themedwaystand

"There is a challenge ahead and I want to take that challenge on. There is no way I will be walking away from this football club."

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has now said there will be no further comment from the club this week.

"No-one from the club will be doing any interviews at any point this week until after we beat Crewe on Saturday," said a club spokesman.

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