Hessenthaler was brought back to Priestfield in the summer

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler says he still has the support of chairman Paul Scally even though they have lost their last four games.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Crewe left the Gills just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

But Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent: "To get a text after the game from him saying 'keep the boys' confidence up, great effort' - shows he's behind me.

"He brought me back to the club and I've got to repay him and I will do."

Hessenthaler added: "Everyone talks about the 'dreaded vote of confidence' - but he hasn't given me that.

"But he has said, 'look, things are tough at the moment, we've got 12-14 players out injured, suspensions and things that go against you'.

I don't want him to say sorry because I feel sorry for him as he's done nothing wrong Hessenthaler on Callum Davies

"I think once we can turn it around and bring these players back into the team then things will look rosy for us.

"I'm here to do a job, I've signed a three-year deal and I'm going to see those three years out."

Meanwhile, the Gills boss has reassured teenage defender Callum Davies that he had nothing to apologise for after being sent off on his first-team debut.

The 17-year-old was sent off against Crewe after 28 minutes for a professional foul and went off in tears.

"He's saying sorry in there to me," said Hessenthaler.

"But I don't want him to say sorry because I feel sorry for him as he's done nothing wrong."

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