Jake Hessenthaler has joined League 2 side Grimsby Town.

The 24-year-old midfielder left Gillingham at the end of last season after making over 150 league appearances for the club.

He has signed a two year deal with the Mariners.

Hessenthaler progressed through the Gills academy and youth team before becoming a regular in the first team under various managers.

He made his Gills debut in November 2013, in a 4-1 defeat to Rotherham, but later that season he scored a stunning goal against Coventry City, his first at senior level, scoring from the half-way line.

At the end of the 2013/14 season he was awarded the young player-of-the-year award.

Town boss Michael Jolley said: “He is highly industrious and fits very well with our belief in hard working and energetic players. He also has quality that can help the team next season.

"Jake has made a significant commitment to join Grimsby and I believe that he can improve and grow as a player with us.”

Gills boss Lovell opted against handing Hessenthaler a new deal after feeling it was time for him to face a fresh challenge.

Speaking after his Priestfield departure, Lovell said: “He has most probably played his best football under any manager while I have been here. He had a good season but for Jake to progress I think he needed to have another challenge.

“It will be important for his future in the game because I couldn’t guarantee that he would be a starter next year. He needs a club that will give him the opportunity that perhaps he wouldn’t have got here at the start of the season.”