Eastleigh manager Andy Hessenthaler is being linked with a return to Dover Athletic following Chris Kinnear’s departure.

The 53 year old is believed to have been given permission to speak to the National League strugglers and could welcome a return to managing a club in Kent.

Having previously managed Whites in a spell between 2007 and 2010, bringing success to the club with two promotions, but it is at Gillingham where he made his name in management, with two spells in charge at Priestfield.

After a brief spell with Leyton Orient, Hessenthaler made the move to Hampshire, ultimately taking over from Richard Hill and he has enjoyed relative success with the Hampshire club.

He guided Eastleigh to a 2-1 victory at Braintree Town on Saturday, lifting them up to 10th in the National League, whilst Dover Athletic went down to a 4-1 loss at home to league leaders Salford City, leaving them one point and one place off the bottom of the league.

Both Darren Hare and Nicky Southall were said to be at Crabble on Saturday, fueling speculation they could be joining Hessenthaler in a move to the Kent coast club.