Former team captain Andy Hessenthaler was then appointed player-manager of the side, having formerly served as player-coach. He led the club to league finishes of 13th, 12th and 11th in his first 3 seasons in charge, however the 2003-04 season saw the club escape relegation by a whisker, with a last day goalless draw at Stoke City keeping them above Walsall by a single goal. John Gorman, who was Glenn Hoddle's assistant as England manager, was appointed to help Andy Hessenthaler as the side started the 2004/2005 season poorly, but as they continued to struggle at the wrong end of the table Hessenthaler resigned as manager in late November. Somewhat uniquely he continued to be employed as a player. Gorman succeeded Hessenthaler in a caretaker capacity before leaving the club to take the manager's job at Wycombe Wanderers. Gillingham then appointed former Burnley boss Stan Ternent as manager, but despite a late run of positive results, he couldn't prevent the Gills' relegation to League One on the last day of the season. In a cruel reversal of the previous season's fortunes, Crewe Alexandra, the club above them, survived by just one goal.