Simpson, who turns 35 on Sunday, has been in interim charge since the departure of Rod Stringer in January.

The experienced forward signed for Chelmsford in August 2019 after leaving MK Dons at the end of the 2018/19 season.

He has had a fruitful career in the Football League, featuring for the likes of Cambridge United, Coventry City, Huddersfield Town and Exeter City.

He began his youth career with Norwich City without making an appearance for the first team.

After his release from Carrow Road, he signed for Cambridge City where he stayed for four years, scoring 33 goals in 118 appearances for the Lilywhites.

His performances caught the eye of Cambridge United in June 2006 where he stayed for one season.

Despite a knee injury hampering his playing time, he was still able to score 17 goals in 33 appearances.

Coventry took a chance on him ahead of the 2007/08 season where he stayed for two seasons.

Throughout his career he has also featured for Brentford, Oldham Athletic, Leyton Orient, Cambridge United for a second spell and MK Dons, whom he helped gain promotion back to League One in 2018/19.

Simpson told https://www.chelmsfordcityfc.com: “I feel very proud to be appointed as the new manager. I think this club has fantastic potential and I am really looking forward to playing my part in the next phase of the journey towards being a truly successful ‘community' club."

Simpson has been helping with the academy set up this season and reiterated: "I’m very passionate about the academy and I want to continue giving youngsters a chance."

Chelmsford chairman Steve Shore said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce Robbie as our new permanent manager. I have spoken to many worthy candidates over the last few weeks and the search has been an exhaustive one with a focus on finding someone who shares our vision; I believe Robbie is that manager.

“Robbie and the team have delivered fantastic performances over the last few games and I hope everyone can get behind them as we fight to make the play-offs this season, as well as build a strong base for next.”

The club can also confirm that Simpson has asked Steve Pitt to return to support him as head of football operations - a role he has accepted.