Gillingham manager Mark Stimson is hoping an FA Cup run will boost his chances of keeping hold of first-team coach Mark Robson.

Robson is working without a contract, and as long as the finances at the club remain tight his job remains in the balance.

The coach has openly admitted his interest in one day taking a management role and last month expressed an interest in the previously-vacant Colchester job.

Stimson is keen for him to stay at Gillingham, though, and knows a good run in the FA Cup could give him the funds to sign Robson on a contract.

"Hopefully then we could do something which he deserves and tie him up for some time," he said.

Stimson is a boyhood friend of Robson and he’s delighted with the impact the 39-year-old has brought to the training ground.

"Mark has been absolutely outstanding and he knows the situation we are in," said Stimson. "For him to keep turning up and doing what he’s doing is amazing."