Former Gillingham manager Keith Peacock believes present boss Mark Stimson can follow in the footsteps of Martin O’Neill.

Stimson, who turned to Peacock for advice following the despair of Gillingham’s relegation two seasons ago, has made no secret of his admiration for the man still revered as ‘Sir Keith’ by supporters from his time in charge at Priestfield in the 1980s.

Peacock, now an associate director with Charlton, sees no reason to change his opinion of Gillingham’s play-off winning manager. He first got to know him when Stimson played in the same Newcastle team as his son Gavin.

"I spoke to Mark soon after Gillingham were relegated and told him to get his chin up," said Peacock (pictured).

"I said that he would emerge all the stronger for the experience of relegation. He’s shown just that by leading Gillingham
back to League 1 at the first attempt."

Peacock believes Stimson shows the necessary dedication to make it to the top, just as Aston Villa boss O’Neill has – a manager who, like Stimson, started off in non-league football.

He added: "I had no hesitation in recommending Mark for the job because of his great passion for the game. What he’s doing now is putting down stepping stones to the top.

"I see no reason why Mark can’t go all the way, just as Martin O’Neill did. People within the game tend to write off managers who emerge from the semi-professional ranks while forgetting someone like Martin, who cut his teeth in the non-league with Wycombe before rising up.

"I’m looking forward to watching Mark blossom, which I know he will because he is so committed.

"He and Mark Robson, who left Charlton for Gillingham last season, are two men destined to make names for themselves in the game."