Football: “Managing Grays Ath was an honour and a privilege” says Hakan

OUTGOING Grays Athletic boss, Hakan Heyrettin, has described managing Grays Athletic as an “honour and a privilege”.

Hakan spoke to YT just as he was about to board the plane to Portugal with Luton Town for their pre-season training.

Grays Athletic announced on Thursday night that boss Hakan was leaving Grays Athletic to become assistant manager of Blue Square Premier outfit, Luton Town.

But Hakan wanted to stress that he opted for the Algarve instead of Aveley for a number of reasons.

Hakan said: “It was too good an offer to turn down. John Still is a great manager. In many ways, a Sir Alex of the non-league. He had spoken to me before and again, he rang me, as I stepped off the plane (from Cyprus) on Wednesday night.

“But I wanted to tell the fans that it has been an honour and a privilege to serve them over the past two years.

“I think we could have got promoted last year if it wasn’t for the points deduction.

“We worked so hard last year and when I say we: the players, the board, the coaching staff and especially, the fans.

“We had a fantastic dressing room. It had a special atmosphere and we will never forget our championship season.

“Everything was set up and ready for the new season. The budget was set. We had made just the one new signing (Phil Anderson) and I believed that the team that won the league by a mile could have a chance of a crack at the play-offs.

“I had been in constant communication with Joel Nathan, Keith Burns and Tony Packer about the coming season.

“There were no issues, we were just keen to crack on.

“But as I say: it has been an honour and a privilege to serve Grays. I would like to thank Andy Swallow. His mind is on other things right now but he is still in control. To be fair to him and contrary to some, he never stuck his nose in. He set the tone that got the club promoted.”

Grays Ath have announced that a three-man team of Steve Kirby, Ryan Kirby and Lee Flynn will manage the club.