Joynes to step down at Grays

By Ian Townsend

Athletic boss to retire and join the board


Grays Athletic have announced that manager Paul Joynes will be leaving his role after Saturday's match against Maldon & Tiptree- and moving upstairs.

Paul, who has been in charge of the first team since former boss Jim Cooper made the decision to retire at the end of August last year, came very close to steering his charges into the top five, just missing out after two consecutive defeats against promotion rivals Brentwood Town and Canvey Island.

He told the club:

'I had retired from football after my enjoyable spell as Manager of Waltham Abbey, however the opportunity to work with Jim Cooper at my local club was one I really wanted to pursue and I have never regretted that decision.

Obviously, I did not envisage taking over as First Team Manager early this season and I have to say that I have immensely enjoyed being at the helm during this exciting campaign.

I would like to thank my coaching staff, the players, club officials/volunteers and the fans for all of the support I have had this year. Additionally, I would like to express my appreciation to all of the clubs that I have served over the years and the many friends I have made within the game over the years. I have had some great times with some really good players, managers and chairmen and enjoyed a number of successful cup and league campaigns. Finally and most importantly I would like to thank my wonderful wife Amanda and all of my family that have been so supportive in allowing me to travel all over the country with teams and have put up with me when results have gone badly! I am looking forward to spending more quality time with them in the years to come.'

Athletic Chairman, Steve Skinner, added:

'I would like to thank Paul for all of the time and effort he has invested in the club over the past three years. He has done a magnificent job in taking the first team forward this season and ensuring the achievement of the club’s best league position since we returned to the Isthmian North Division.

Paul’s football experience will be invaluable to the board and since he joined the club he has been instrumental in bringing in some excellent sponsors and I know he wishes to expand the number of companies that support The Blues. The board are extremely pleased that Paul has accepted our offer and extend a warm welcome to him.'

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.

Where next?

Wednesday Night football We've two matches tonight- and one of them is critical
Get with the E-aster programme A double header of electronica from the long weekend

The Pitching In Isthmian Football League newsletter

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

Subscribe