GILLINGHAM manager Andy Hessenthaler paid tribute to Paolo Di Canio and his Swindon team as they secured promotion at Priestfield on Saturday.

Hessenthaler masterminded a 3-1 victory for his side over Town, but results elsewhere went Swindon’s way and promotion was secured.

“We are pleased with our win, but we have to say a massive congratulations to Paolo and to Swindon because they have been the best team in the league all season.

“Paolo is someone you would pay to watch, even as a manager, and he deserves this moment because he is passionate. He is a legend at West Ham and he is a legend at Swindon now.

“He has had a tough year off the pitch there is no doubt about that. I lost my mum when I was very young so I know how tough it is, and I give him a lot of credit.”

The victory means Gillingham still have a chance of sneaking into the play-offs, which Hessenthaler believes would be an excellent achievement.

“We came into the game knowing we needed to win, and we were delighted to have been able to get it.

“In the first 15 or 20 minutes we were the better side, but goals change games, and once we scored we went on and deserved to win I think.

“We know it will be tough to get into the play offs, but we will give it our best and see what happens.”