New manager heralds new era

The Blues reported on Sunday that supporters can expect an announcement on their new manager and successor to Mark Bentley this week after interviewing in a number of candidates interested in the post by the end of last week.

Fans are being told to look out for announcement on their website only a few days after owner Andy Swallow told them he was transferring ownership of the day-to-day running and financial budgeting of the football side of club's business to a supporter run organisation next season.

At a supporters meeting last week, fans were advised that Swallow had given the go-ahead for the transfer to proceed and was taking action to ensure the Football Association would give its consent. Supporters Direct is working with all parties to ensure that all of the necessary documentation is completed and submitted by the end of May to enable the transfer of ownership to be considered.

While Swallow is stepping back from the business of the club, he remains committed to securing the long-term future of Grays Athletic and will continue pursuing the club's plans for a new stadium to ensure its survival for future generations. It is hoped that a new controlling company, Grays Athletic Community Football Club Ltd, will evolve from the Grays Athletic Supporters Trust. This company will be 100 per cent owned by the fans.

A Blues spokesman said: "The supporters passed on their sincere thanks to Andy Swallow for his massive contribution to Grays Athletic Football Club, firstly for his commitment to keeping the club alive over the past seven seasons and for now giving the football side of Grays Athletic back to the supporters in order for them to have an opportunity to shape the way in which the club operates going forward.

"Additionally, he has offered his full support and guidance to the fans in respect of the assistance they may need when taking ownership of the club. There are a few areas where the club is waiting for clarification but good progress is being made.

"Once this transfer has been agreed in principle, a further series of meetings are planned in order to select members to form a new Board and to fulfil other key positions within the club."

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