Grays appoint Cooper

Former Police man returns to the dugout


Grays Athletic last night announced that their replacement for the departing Jamie Stuart would be the former Metropolitan Police manager Jim Cooper.

Cooper worked wonders at Imber Court over fifteen years, taking his side into the playoffs on a number of occasions, winning the South Division title and ensuring that they always punched above their financial weight. Last season he steered them to tenth place in the Premier Division, and to the Final of the Velocity Trophy, which they lost narrowly to Billericay Town.

Just before the start of this season he left the club after the FA's restructuring saw them moved into the Southern League. He believed that, given the travelling involved, remaining at the club would make his life impossible.

His arrival at Athletic sees the club in tenth place in the North Division. Speaking to the club website- you can read their anouncement here- Cooper expressed his joy at returning to the dugout.

“I am delighted and very proud to be appointed as the new manager of Grays Athletic FC. I know that it will be a very difficult task to take over from a true legend of this club (Jamie) but as soon as I spoke with the chairman I knew what a fantastic opportunity it would be for me due to the plans the club has in place both on and off the pitch."

Welcome back to the Bostik League, Jim.

Grays Athletic Video playlist

The Pitching In Isthmian Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe