Andy Hessenthaler has praised the efforts of former Accrington boss John Coleman who left the club earlier this week to take up the vacant manager's job at Rochdale.

The Gills take on his former side this weekend, and Hess applauded the 49-year-old on the progress he has made at the Crown Ground.

He said: "John's done a fantastic job there along with Jimmy Bell. They were there 13 years and have an opportunity to manage at the level above and they deserve all they get because they've done fantastically well.

"They have Leam Richardson as caretaker manager there now. He's an ex-player and will want to make an impression but we have to focus on what we do. We have to make sure we respond to the last couple of defeats and get back on track very quickly."

However Hess does not believe his departure will have a negative effect on the hosts.

He said: "People say that when a manager goes the team tends to win the next game but they're doing well. They're a footballing side and it will be a tough place to go."

Accrington are currently just two points behind the Gills which gives this game extra importance as both sides are eager to climb the table and put pressure on the sides at the top.

Meanwhile, the Gills boss has decided against recalling Connor Essam from his loan spell at Dartford for the game. The teenager will stay with the Blue Square Bet South club for the foreseeable future.