Robson has joined Peterborough United as assistant to manager Gary Johnson

Former Gillingham assistant boss Mark Robson believes he could have taken the club back to the Championship - had he been given the manager's job.

Robson agreed to be Andy Hessenthaler's number two but left three weeks ago due to "personal reasons" and has now joined Peterborough United.

"I went for the Gillingham job and to be honest that would have been a great opportunity," he told BBC Radio Kent.

"I honestly believe I could have taken the club in a different direction."

The former Charlton Athletic player added: "Mark [Stimson] put my name forward when he spoke to the chairman and he actually said 'give Robbo a go', which I was delighted with.

"I did want it, I really did but that certainly isn't the reason for me for going.

"I know Andy's going to be a real success, I'm sure he will be. He's a great guy Andy - I really like him. I had a brief spell working with him and thoroughly enjoyed it.

"But it was due to other reasons that I had to get away."

Robson, who started his career as a player at Exeter City, also praised the Gillingham fans.

If you can get the place rocking and rolling then I think there would be the opportunity to take it back to the Championship Mark Robson

"There's loads of potential at the football club, it's got such a great catchment area and it's got a very good fan base.

"If you can get the place rocking and rolling then I think there would be the opportunity to build and take it back to perhaps the dizzy heights of the Championship which is where they were not so long ago."

But Robson refused to be drawn on the exact reason behind his exit.

"I don't really want to say too much more," he said, "but I decided it was just time for me to move on."

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