Dockers manager moves upstairs

Paul Vaughan has stood down as manager of Tilbury to move into the Dockers boardroom as the Ryman North club's director of football.

In a statement released by the club on Thursday night, officials said Vaughan, pictured, had agreed to oversee all levels of football at Chadfields and will be replaced by a joint management team of current midfielder Gary Henty and former Tilbury stalwart Danny Smith.

Henty has played more than 100 times for the Essex club while Smith made more than 150 appearances. The pair will be assisted by George Young, another former Docker, who is stepping up from his previous role as assistant manager of the club’s reserve side.

Tilbury chairman Danny Nash said: "Paul has been a good manager for the club and took the side to great heights three years ago. Paul will remain a big part of the club and will oversee the new management."

Former Grays Athletic and Basildon United coach Vaughan was in his fifth season at the helm and guided the Dockers to a third place finish in 2011-12 campaign when his side lost 4-3 to Needham Market in the play-off semi-finals.

He is also the head coach of the football academy at South Essex College and has worked as a scout for Crystal Palace, Millwall and Charlton Athletic.