Gray gone, Barnes in

Corinthian-Casuals have announced the departure of manager Andy Gray- and then quickly introduced his replacement.

In a statement following Gray's departure, they explained:

'Andy took up the role following our relegation to the Isthmian League South Central Division at the end of last season, but unfortunately results have not been good enough in the first half of the current campaign and, with the team currently in the bottom two, the club has decided to make a change.

Andy’s contribution to the club, which he represented with distinction as a player in the early 1980s, remains an important part of our history and he will always be welcome at King George’s Arena. We wish him well in his future endeavours.'

Gray made his senior debut for Casuals aged eighteen, and then spent a little time at Dulwich Hamlet before being snapped up by Crystal Palace. An England debut and spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, a second spell with Palace and time with Queens Park Rangers followed, before periods playing in Spain and Scotland.

He was appointed Casuals boss at the end of March, but didn't actually take up the role until last season had ended.

The club then announced that Gray's replacement was former Hastings United and Dulwich Hamlet boss Paul Barnes.

Paul became the boss at Hastings United in May, two months after departing Dulwich Hamlet. His side started the season in fine form, undefeated in their first eight matches in League and Cup, but that form tailed off and he left Pilot Field in Mid October.

He took the hot seat at Hamlet in mid October 2022, following a month as interim boss. He was previously a Pitching In Isthmian League boss with Staines Town, a role he left in January 2021.

He had previously been the manager of Greenwich Borough- he took over from Gary Alexander and steered the club to the South Division Playoff Semi-Finals- and has also worked at Dover, Ashford United and Guildford City.

More here.

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