Gillingham’s hopes of bringing Peterborough midfielder Chris Whelpdale back to Priestfield appear to have failed.

Whelpdale (pictured) enjoyed a successful loan spell earlier in the season and Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler was keen to get him back for the end-of-season run in.

The attack-minded midfielder scored three goals during a four game period at the end November.

The deadline for loan signings closes on Thursday at 5pm and it is unlikely now that Whelpdale will be making the switch from London Road.

Hessenthaler said: "I think they want to keep him in their squad. They are running for promotion and they want to keep their squad together.

"You can understand their reasons for that but it is a shame because he hasn’t been playing for them and he would have come here and he would have played.

"But Darren Ferguson (Peterborough manager) wants to keep him there and that’s fine, we move on."

The Gills still have 24 hours to plead their case but Hessenthaler doesn’t think Posh will change their mind.

"I cant see anything changing on that," he said. "But you never know in football."

Hessenthaler was, however, remaining upbeat about his side’s promotion hopes despite the transfer set-back.

"I still think we can achieve something this season.

"We are excited, we are together and we are looking forward to the challenges in the next few weeks."

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