FORMER West Ham United winger Mark Robson has thrown his hat in the ring to become the new manager of League One side Colchester United.

The Newham-born 39-year-old, who made 47 appearances for the Hammers during a year-long stay at the club in the early 1990s, has revealed his ambition to succeed Geraint Williams at the Community Stadium.

Robson, currently first-team coach under former Grays Athletic boss Mark Stimson at League Two Gillingham, would also consider an assistant manager role at the north Essex club.

“Colchester United would obviously be a very good place to manage and make your trade," he revealed.

“It’s a well-run club and I don’t see any reason why I can’t be in the frame.

“I know the game and it would be a great opportunity for me and a great way to start my managerial career.

“I enjoy the development side of things both with the younger and the senior players.

“Without giving too much away, I think one of my main qualities is my man-management skills.

“I was at Charlton since 2000 and was there for a long time. While I was there, I worked with Alan Curbishley and some other extremely good managers (Iain Dowie, Les Reed and ex-West Ham chief Alan Pardew).

“Management is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and it’s a case of getting that job and that opportunity."

Two other former Hammers - Teddy Sheringham and Steve Lomas - have also been linked with the role, which became vacant after Welshman Williams left the club after three years in charge a fortnight ago.