Julian Dicks first game in charge and perhaps the poorest Grays performances of the season. Dicks himself agreed, that the performance was below what he expects from his team and intends to make life tough on the training ground.

Altrincham started the better and having only scored once in there last four outings and struggling for any sort of form unexpectedly took the lead after 10 minutes. The move started on the left and when a low cross came into the box Rob Williams allowed the ball to run through him and Chris Denham turned and shot, beating the keeper Edwards at his left hand post and ending their 348 minute goal drought.

Danny Charge should have equalised on 35 mins when he was unmarked on the edge of the six yard box but his strike went high over much to the distress of him and his colleagues. The move started with a Kenny Davies shot from 20 yards out that was blocked by the Altrincham defence the ball went wide to the right where Charlie Taylor crossed into the box straight to the unmarked Charge.

Glen Poole had a half chance towards the end of the half as Grays rallied to get even before the break but his shot was deflected away for a corner.

Grays started much brighter in the second half, manager Julian Dicks must have told them a few truths about the first half, but it didn’t last long and soon faded quickly when Altrincham struck twice in 3 minutes just after the hour.

Craig Braham-Barrett playing at left back in the second half attempted to make a run down the flank but he met his match against Chris Denham who took the ball and ran 40 yards to the edge of the Grays penalty area where he slightly miss hit his shot that deflected off Anwar Uddin and beat the stranded Edwards for goal number two.

Three minutes later again the Grays keeper had to retrieve the ball from his net for the third time this time it was Denham who supplied the cross for Chris Senior to tap into the net at the near post.

Heads went down and fitness seemed to be a problem with the Grays squad, but they held out till the referee finally called time, with Stevenage on Tuesday night manager Dicks has very little time to put things right.

Julian was interviewed along with 9 others at the Marriot Hotel last week and was called back for further interview yesterday.

Julian joins old team mate John Moncur , Former Spurs manager Peter Shreeves and Andy Swallow

No decision has been made as to who the supporting assistants will be although we understand John Yems will be interviewing. Whether Gary Phillips will be retained as goalkeeping coach remains uncertain.

Julian retired from football at the age of 29 and moved to Spain and he qualified as a professional golfer. But a persistent knee injury kept him from the golf course and he returned to his first managerial club Wivenhoe. He managed Wivenhoe until June.

Mike Jones went along to the Academy at Loughton and spoke to Julian.

In a roller-coaster of a game, Grays returned home having scored four away goals yet finishing as the losing side at the impressive Nene Park Stadium. Ex-Spurs boss Peter Reeves took over as manager for the afternoon and on the first half showing must have feared the worst as Rushden sliced through the anaemic Blues tackling almost at will. With Lee Tomlin, the class act on the field, Rushden tore into Grays from the start; as early as the 3rd minute, Kurt Robinson was allowed, unchallenged, to reach the edge of the area before unleashing a shot that Lee Butcher saved well.

Seven minutes later a fine 40 yard diagonal pass from Tomlin saw Matt Pattison cut inside the isolated Glen Poole and smash a deflected shot past Butcher. For most of the remainder of the half, Grays came under considerable pressure from the homesters but they failed to add to their tally due to a combination of wayward finishing and last-ditch defending.

Then on the stroke of interval, Grays were given a life-line; a Poole free-kick 20yards out took a deflection off Robinson and the ball looped over the startled Dale Roberts to give the Blues the equaliser. Grays had been woefully short of steel in mid-field (Kenny Davis the exception) and Thomas Harvey was substituted by Jack Obersteller in the 37th minute, the formation reverting to a more familiar 4-4-2. Also Charlie Taylor was introduced in place of Jack Jeffrey straight after half-time and he made a difference. Although plainly raw he has serious pace and works his socks off for the cause and he troubled the rather static Rushden defence (including even the “Master” Jamie Stuart—strange and sad to see him in opposition colours).

Rushden had a couple of chances at the start of the second half but, not for the only time in the match, Grays stunned the home crowd by taking a shock lead. In the 52nd minute, Poole curled in a free-kick that was converted at the far post by Obersteller. The lead lasted just 4 minutes as ex-Blue Aaron O’Connor was allowed to run 40 yards before passing to Tomlin who finished with aplomb. The subdued Jamie Slabber then had the ball in the net but it was adjudged offside. Grays were now pushing Rushden back and in the 55th minute Davis scored a cracking goal to put his team in front. After gaining possession, he strode forward and let fly with his left boot and the ball arrowed into the top corner past Roberts.
Sub James Reid then equalised in the 63rd minute, capitalising on some clever approach play that opened up an over-worked Grays rearguard.

Most of the Grays travelling fans thought this was the end for the Blues chances but in the 70th minute the Rushden defence was caught napping when, at the far post again, skipper Anwar Uddin gleefully scored to regain an improbable lead for the Blues. But it was not to be. Grays almost increased their lead when a huge clearance from sub Billy Crowther was latched onto by Taylor who easily out-paced Stuart but his attempted lob over the keeper went over the bar. In the 78thd minute Crowther conceded a penalty for, it seemed, handball and Tomlin duly made it 4-4.
Under a baking sun, the effort of forcing their way into the match seemed to catch up with the Blues and Rushden with their more fluent football had the last laugh as sub Cliff Akurang, so often Grays’ nemesis over the years, headed the winner in injury time from a Tomlin corner.

An extraordinary game in which, in truth, Grays were mostly outplayed; however, for a period early in the second half they showed enough spirit and doggedness to really rattle Rushden and could count themselves a little unlucky to come away with nothing. Problems remain in a lack of bite in mid-field and a failure to engage the opposition in all areas of the pitch. But it’s never dull watching Grays Athletic!

Grays: Butcher, Uddin, Hoyte, Mawer, Graham, Cutler(Crowther 82), Davis, Harvey(Obersteller37), Poole, Slabber, Jeffrey(Taylor 46). Subs: Edwards, Kilapi
Referee: Mr S. Ross
ATT: 1192

Salisbury, with John Beck as coach, are noted for their direct approach but it seems the influence of Manager Tommy Widdrington has brought a more thoughtful approach to their play. With the fast-raiding of Robert Sinclair on the right and the goal-poaching of Matthew Tubbs, allied to a commendable team work ethic, Salisbury looked superior to the Blues in most areas of the pitch. Their opening goal came in the 25th minute after a flowing move which was finished of at the far post by Christopher Flood. Grays managed to get to the half-time without conceding any further score and soon after the restart Jamie Slabber had a chance to equalise when he was put through clear on goal but his delayed shot was blocked. Salisbury doubled their lead in the 62nd minute after Grays failed to clear their lines and the ball was crossed to Tubbs who smashed the ball past keeper Lee Butcher.

Salisbury now had their tails up and the elusive Tubbs could easily have had a hat-trick, first hitting the post and then screwing wide from in front of goal. Stuart Anderson thundered a header just wide before Butcher pulled off three remarkable saves to deny a rampant Salisbury. As a shot-stopper Butcher is something else! Debutants Bill Crowther and Jack Jeffrey were introduced ( replacing the hard-running Charlie Taylor and George Beavan and with “fresh legs” finally the Blues began to get at a home defence that perhaps were looking a little complacent. Jeffrey did well to turn his marker but his powerful shot was straight at the home custodian James Bittner, then a fine diagonal pass from Anwar Uddin found sub Richard Graham whose fine cross was headed inches wide by Crowther. Then after a run and cross by Crowther only two desperate blocks by the home defence kept out goal-bound efforts.

A hard night then for the Blues and looking at the stats they speak for themselves; Salisbury had 36 shots, 10 on target, 7 blocked the rest off kilter!

Grays Athletic
12 Butcher
05 Hoyte
06 Mawer
04 Uddin
24 Obersteller
07 Rigoglioso
25 Vernazza
17 Davis
03 Beavan
09 Slabber
15 Taylor
Substitutes
01 Edwards, 18 Crowther, 11 Graham, 16 Jeffery, 22 Gaughran

Grays fan are speculating who will take on the managers job after next weeks interviews. The rumour mill is in full swing with names like Wayne Burnett and Steve Lomas being mentioned.Gary Phillips is certainly going to interview for his own job but perhaps his faithfulness will be rewarded by either retaining him as manager or reverting to his goal keeping coach role. We will just have to wait and see.

Blue Square Premier

Bill Robinson reports from The New Rec……

Grays managed to hold onto a point thanks to keeper Lee Butcher, he made numerous saves throughout the game but two fantastic saves in the last 15 minutes that kept Grays in the match.

The first half was quite uneventful with only half chances being created by both sides. It was from Mansfields second corner of the game that saw them take the lead, in the 12th minute, the corner was long and found the head of Luke Jones who sent the ball back to the near post for Jake Speight to sneak in by the post to head home.

Both teams defences managed to keep there opposition at arms length and the strikers had to rely on long range efforts, on two occasions Glenn Poole had an opportunity to score first time the keeper made a good save his second effort was sliced well wide.

The game was going from end to end but both defences remained in charge, Grays equaliser came in the 35th minute when the Mansfield defence appeared to fall asleep, a long ball out of defence by Gavin Hoyte found Obersteller on the left he pulled it back for Graham who crossed the ball and Jamie Slabber was unmarked around the penalty spot and he directed his header into the bottom right hand corner of the net with Keeper Marrott stranded on his line.

Half Time 1-1

Immense pressure from Mansfield straight from the restart saw two great chances for the visitor to regain the lead first Luke James header cleared of the line before keeper Butcher gathered it amongst a crowd of legs. Second chance saw the ball hit squarely against the bar from a corner after the ball was headed back by James for Perry to head against the bar.

Grays had to absorb even more pressure as Mansfield push forward with more urgency looking to get back in front. Mansfield in their quest again hit the bar and in the last few minutes of the game saw keeper Lee Butcher pull off two brilliant saves the best after Williams run down the left, he crossed and Spieght watch his goal bound header saved by Butchers outstretched right hand.

Grays Athletic: Lee Butcher, Daniel Charge, Sam Cutler, Kenny Davs, Richard Graham, Gavin Hoyte, Glen Poole, Jack Obersteller, Jamie Slabber, Anwar Uddin, Paolo Venazza.

Subs: Preston Edwards, George Beavan, Sam Gaughran, Tom Harvey, Charge, Charlie Taylor,

Mike Casey is on Holiday

As part of the restructure of Grays Athletic Football Club certain changes will be being made which we feel that you should be made aware of, we are currently conducting interviews for the position of 1st team manager, we believe that having three member of coaching staff is a luxury that we can no longer afford, we would like to thank Gary, Alan & John for all their hard work in getting an established squad together and all three have submitted their applications for the managerial post along with several other names, interviews will take place over the next couple of weeks, the present staff have agreed to remain with us in a caretaker role until such time that an appointment is made.

We have taken on a new fitness coach, Tom Snow, and you will see him before the games taking the warm ups with the squad.

We want to keep you informed about the way the club is moving forward and will be seeking to hold a fans forum in the clubhouse, once a date is arranged this will be publicised on the main web page, we hope that many of you will attend as we feel sure that you have questions that want answering.

Yourthurrock understands that Gary Phillips will be applying for his job and is keen to stay at the club.

Jamie commented

“It is with some sadness that I am now moving on from Grays Athletic Football Club, but as they say, all good things come to an end.

I have really enjoyed my time with the club and have made some really good friends over the years; I have had some great times and have some fantastic memories to take with me, especially the promotion and trophy finals.

The fans at Grays Athletic have been brilliant and I thank them for all the support that they have shown me, I would like to wish everyone at Grays Athletic Football Club all the very best for the future. ”

Fellow teamate Stuart Thurgood signed for Dagenham and Redbridge recently

Grays CEO Mick Woodward added

“Myself and the board of Grays Athletic Football Club would like to pass on our thanks to both Jamie Stuart and Stuart Thurgood for their dedication to the club over the past seasons, both players have been model professionals and others could learn a lot from them.

We would like to wish both of them all the very best with their new clubs, Jamie at Rushden and Stuart at Dagenham, they will both be missed at Grays Athletic and will be an asset at their clubs, they will both be welcomed back at The New Recreation Ground with open arms.”

Nick McKoy, 22, 6′3″ Midfield powerhouse, who was previously with Wimbledon/Mk Dons, Cardiff and Torquay.

Alan McLeod, 28. ex Grays and former Arsenal professional who has been captaining Tooting.

Marcel McKie, 24, a left sided player who was a professional at Tottenham and went on to play for Lewes.

Serge Makofo, 22, 5′11 Striker, ex MK Dons who has immense pace and ability and will prove to be a real handful for Conference defences this season.

Picture are Nick McKoy (left) and Marcel McKie(right)

Haswell started his career as a trainee with Wimbledon FC before switching to Southend United. Dropping into the non-league game, he spent time at Harlow Town and Grays Athletic before spending three seasons at Southern League outfit Wingate & Finchley.

Chelmsford City signed him in January 2005 but was snapped up by AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed fee the following close season after winning both the Supporters and Players Player of the Year Awards with the Essex side.

Dagenham and Redbridge have signed Grays Athletic Midfielder Stuart Thurgood.

Stuart who has had spells with Gillingham as well ,had a good season this year with the Blues and was popular with the fans

The 27-year-old former Southend player, who started his career with Tottenham, has agreed a two-year contract.

Daggers manager John Still said: “Stuart is a player I’ve been interested in for two or three years.

“He’s hungry to prove himself back in the League again and his drive and ambition is something which has really impressed me.”

Some Fans on the Grays unofficial forum fear that the next few weeks will see many more players leave before the new season starts. Fans are also waiting to see who is the new chairman but the AGM has been put back to June

Grays fought an admirable rearguard action to beat off relegation as they beat Crawley 1-0 at the New Recreation Ground.

The 4-5-1 formation at home may have raised eyebrows but Grays had no intention of “parking the bus” as they played combative assertive football in their quest for survival.

A midfield trio of Elliott, Thurgood and Black gelled immediately but with only one front man good crosses such as Barry Cogan’s in the 3rd minute found no-one in the box

Tommy Black’s superior brain was helping mould attacks, In the 13th minute, an excellent cross by Ishmael Welsh saw Black’s close header well saved by Simon Rayner.

Crawley midfielder Michael Malcolm looked dangerous as he caught Grays on the hop with a fast break but the ball eventually turned away by Stuart Elliott for a corner.

Grays confidence grew with more good work down the right flank by Barry Cogan resulting in a corner.

In the 23rd minute, Malcolm was fouled by George Beavan just outside the area but Sam Rent’s free kick just hit a steadfast wall.

Grays increased the pressure: a blocked shot by Barry Cogan and a blast by Stuart Thurgood buoyed the Blues.

The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when a smart cross by Ishmael Welsh created chaos in the area; Tommy Black’s shot struck the underside of the bar and George Beavan, from close range gave Grays the lead.

The tempo was intense as Grays could sense safety. but the good work was nearly undone as confusion between Jamie Stuart and Lee Butcher let in Robbie Matthews but his shot went wide when it would have been easier to score.

And os began the most important 45 minutes of Grays’ season. Tommy Black picked up where he left off with a smart move and shot in the 47th minute .

Both full backs were keen to attack and Kenny Davis shot went close after a fine 1-2 as Grays went in search of the vital second goal.

In the 52nd minute, Tommy Black found an acre of space in the area but shot wide and fans started to hope that the Blues wouldn;t rue the chances.

A wonder save by Lee Butcher kept the Blues in front when Malcolm beat the offside trap but he spread himself wide to keep Grays in the lead.

At the other end, Jamie Taylor also found himself clear in the box but this time Simon Rayner did well to block the shot.

With half an hour to go, concentration was going to be the key. There was something unconvincing about the Grays offside trap and the initiative was clearly with Crawley.

Grays had a fair shout for a penalty when Thurgood was up-ended in the box but the referee Mr Hendly waived the player’s appeals away.

The experience of Wilnis and Stuart was marshalling the defence well.

A fine free kick by Tommy Black in the 70th minute found Ishmael Welsh but he couldn’t control his shot, skying it over.

Welsh was tiring and Gary Phillips had to consider whether to make the changes. A fine break from Stuart Thurgood saw him lay the ball in the path of Stuart Elliott but his tired shot went weakly wide.

Grays conceded possession too easily but still managed to look dangerous on the counter. In the 76th minute Barry Cogan galloped down the right, beat his man but once again the player in blue could not find the target.

Black was spent as Crawley, with three up front threw everything at them but he still ad the energy to find space on the right, dink the ball to Barry Cogan who forced the keeper to turn the ball away for a corner.

Sub Nayee latched onto a loose ball in the box but once again Butcher was in the perfect position to save.

Each attack put years on the fans. A Matthews header hung in the air for an age before landing just over the bar.

Inevitably there had to be four minutes of injury time. Jamie Taylor limped off. Crawley mounted a final attack which one them a corner. Tempers frayed but Grays kept their heads and their Blue Square status intact.

Grays Athletic

Lee Butcher
Kenny Davis Fabian Wilnis Jamie Stuart George Beavan
Barry Cogan Stuart Thurgood Tommy Black Ishmael Welsh (80 Tyrone Berry) Stuart Elliott
Jamie Taylor (90 Jamie Slabber)

Subs
Ronnie Jones, Tyrone Berry, Sam Long, Jamie Slabber, Joe Sweeney

Crawley Town

Simon Rayner, Santos Gaia, Sam Rents (69 Dannie Bulman), Danny Forrest,Robbie Matthews
Gavin Hurren Lewis Kileen (78 Mitun Nayee) Jon Shaw Michael Malcolm Max Lake-Edwards Byron Napper (60 Glenn Wilson)

Subs
Dannie Bulman, Jamie Cook, Glenn Wilson, Mitun Nayee, Adam Quinn

Booked: Lewis Killeen

You knew this was going to go down to the last week.

Back In August, Grays lost by two goals down in Weymouth. They ended the campaign in similar manner, losing 2-0 to Altrincham at the Moss Lane Stadium.

Goals by Colin Little in the 23rd and then sub Chris Denham in the 80th sealed Premiership football for Altrincham. Their celebrations after the game contrasted with a dejected Grays Athletic.

After the game, Gary Phillips directed the criticism towards the players. The players have never looked comfortable away from home all season apart from the period when Wayne Burnett got going: The draw against Carlisle, the away win at York. Burnett’s team carved out some “winning ugly” results.

Let us see how each player played in order to assess how Grays played and their chances of survival.

Lee Butcher

A good shot stopper. Kept Grays in the game when they went 4-2-4, especially in the 75th minute saving from point blank from sub Peyton. Kicking almost matched Steve Arnold. With Rob Beckwith injured as well, will be a key factor in the final week. In many ways, did not have that much to do.

Kenny Davis.

An average game. Did not do enough to justifying dropping Sam Long, who was clearly the whipping boy for the Eastbourne defeat. Still being played out of position. Was left flat footed on a few occasions especially in the 65th minute when Alty’s striker, Chris Little looped the ball over Davis’ head in the box.

Has suffered greatly from a perceived pecking order strategy that has burdened the club. Let us hope he plays a pivotal part in Grays Athletic’s future.

Ronnie Jones

With Fabian injured or rested (he didn’t move from underneath his bench jacket all day) these are not the ideal conditions to blood a young player. He looked as if he was learning as he went. Had a real challenge with Little and Doughty but did just about enough.

Jamie Stuart

Did everything he could. Think about it. He had to nurture Ronnie Jones, he had a new keeper to develop some form of understanding. Jamie Stuart was an iconic rock as he cleared ball after ball. Sure his distribution often means the ball is simply punted upfield.

The biggest obstacle for Jamie Stuart came in the 23rd minute when on the edge of the box, he was about to clear when Stuart Elliott got in his way and let the ball fall to Colin Little who barged into the area and poked the ball past Lee Butcher.

As the team went 4-2-4 he popped up all over the pitch in a valiant attempt to get the team back in the game. Expect everything over the next two games to keep the team in the Premier.

George Beavan

The more you reflect, the more you think that the defence did not have that much to do. Beavan looks a class youngster but is clearly more at ease with Ishmael Welsh in front of him rather than a collection of strangers.

Barry Cogan

He tried and tried, he even got himself booked for ranting at the ref. Grays had countless number of corners but none of them threatened. Had the best and some say only chance of the game in the 36th minute when his close range header was tipped over the bar by keeper Stuart Coburn.

Life should be kept simple for Cogan. Play him on the right so he can do what he does best: Cutting in from the right, playing deft 1-2’s with the front men and striking it goalwards.

Stuart Elliott

You tend to look at Stuart Elliott like a boxer who is at least six fights past his sell by date. A younger man needs to step in here now. You also know that is not going to happen and he will be there for the last two games. I don’t know what happened to the Player-Coach status as he doesn’t seem to have any real input here.

He seems to play in a bubble as illustrated by his dismissal at Oxford and in the 23rd minute here when it was clearly Jamie Stuart’s ball but walked into him.

To be fair, there are the odd interceptions and neat passes here and there but no creativity.

Stuart Thurgood

A game of two halves. Recently, Stuart has played like the Thurgood of old. He continued in the same vein for the first half as he hussled away, trying to link up play,

Thurgood disappeared in the second half as he simply couldn’t get himself in the game. It was as if all the changes caught up with him. Alternatively, no matter what he sent up field did not seem to produce anything.

Tommy Black

This is a difficult one. Saw an awful lot of possession and was always always looking for the ball. He was always trying to create and became frustrated. He started on the right side of midfield but could not and would not track back, leaving Kenny Davis terribly exposed. Grays were lucky that this was not exploited by Altrincham.

Does Grays survival depend on an overweight loan player who won’t defend? Possibly.

Jamie Slabber

Tried hard as he always has done since he returned but worryingly he didn’t seem to have any relationship or understanding with Jamie Taylor. Shielded the ball very well but needed more players running off him from midfield. If there was a Welsh, Thurgood, Davis and Cogan midfield then maybe. With Elliott and Black: no chance.

It might be harsh but perhaps Grays would be better suited to giving Hudson-Odoi a chance in his natural position.
Despite all the corners and free kicks never dominated at all. The impotency of the attack, without Pugh is a real worry.

Jamie Taylor

His work rate and commitment since his return has been very impressive. He tried to get round the back, he tried to match giant defenders in the air but got very little change all game. Couldn’t forge an understanding with Slabber.

Subs

Ishmael Welsh

Rested as he is still something of an injury risk. Grays need him attacking the Ball Court End. Made an immediate impact but wasted possession and distribution and shots were poor.

Confident he will be in the zone come Tuesday and Sunday.

Bradley Hudson-Odoi

Again looked much more comfortable up front.

Joe Sweeney

Seemed to have something about him. Needs to be on the bench next week.

Conclusion

So there we have it. Woking have one game left up at Rushden, who were thrashed 4-0 by Forest Green. Weymouth still look doomed. York’s win against Eastbourne seems to have secured their survival (they have Lewes and Weymouth this week). So, Lewes, Northwich for sure. Weymouth, barring a miracle and then in truth it is between Woking and Grays.

Glass Half Full: The home form has been tremendous and Grays attacking the Ball Court end can carve out the necessary points to stave off relegation.

Glass Half Empty
Crawley are a class apart from Grays and will despatch them with ease. Forest Green have top scorer Mangan who will end the season finding the back of the net.

Altrincham: Coburn, Smith, Welch, Young, Lane, Densmore, Wilkinson (Peyton 60), Danylyk, Doughty, Little (Denham 67), Johnson (O’Neill 71). 

Subs Not Used: Acton, McGregor.
Booked: Doughty.
Goals: Little 23, Denham 80.

Grays Athletic: Butcher, Davis, Stuart, Jones, Beavan, Black (Welsh 58), Thurgood, Cogan, Elliott (Hudson-Odoi 68), Taylor, Slabber (Sweeney 84). 
Subs Not Used: Long, Wilnis.
Booked: Beavan, Thurgood, Cogan.

Att: 1,148.
Ref: R Fletcher (Derbyshire).