Stimson led Gillingham to promotion in 2009 and relegation in 2010

Barnet manager Mark Stimson believes his former side Gillingham can still push for promotion this season.

The 42-year-old left Priestfield in the summer in the wake of their relegation to League Two, having taken them up to League One 12 months earlier.

On Tuesday the Gills beat Barnet 2-1 to rise up to 16th in the table.

Stimson said: "I'm sure they'll get their goal. With Andy [Hessenthaler] in charge, his blood's blue and white - he's the man to do it."

He added: "The fan base at Gillingham is phenomenal.

If you've got those numbers coming through the turnstiles it certainly helps your budget to attract players like Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale Barnet manager Mark Stimson

"The quicker they try and get out of this league the fan base will get even bigger and stronger.

"If you've got those numbers coming through the turnstiles it certainly helps your budget to attract players like Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale."

Goals from the Peterborough loanees helped Gillingham fight back from a goal down at Underhill on Tuesday, and afterwards Stimson revealed that he had tried to sign both players.

"The boy Whelpdale - I tried to sign him a few times when I was at Gillingham from Billericay but I got out-priced by Peterborough," he said.

"He's a fantastic player - probably better up front if I'm honest. He's someone with a goal in his locker and a great first touch.

"And Charlie Lee gives his all, doesn't he? He's another one I've tried to sign when I was at Stevenage."

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