Steve Wignall, the man who guided Colchester United to two Wembley finals and two promotion play-off semi-finals, would relish the chance to do it again with Gillingham.

The most successful manager in Colchester's Football League history, Wignall said today he would love the opportunity to become the Gills' new manager.

"Gillingham is the kind of club I would leap at as a manager," said Wignall, who has been out of work since his shock resignation as Colchester's manager in January.

"I firmly believe they have the the scope and all-round ability to go to the First Division and I would love to be the manager to take them there."

"The club has always boasted a winning combination of skill and a mental toughness, qualities that took them to the brink of the First Division just a couple of months ago."

The former Colchester, Doncaster Rovers, Brentford and Aldershot central defender, who posted around 700 League and cup appearances for the four clubs as a player, quit the Layer Road hot seat early this year after spearheading Colchester's promotion winning squad to a successful Second Division start.

"I felt that I had taken that set of lads as far as they could go," he said "And if I left the introduction of a new face at the helm might just do enough for the club to retain its Division Two status - which is exactly what happened.

"But I have had a good rest now. My batteries are recharged and I am very keen to get back into Football League management."

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