User:Jimbo online/2009–10 Grays Athletic F.C. season

The 2009–10 season was Grays Athletic F.C.'s fifth year in the Conference National and covers the period from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010. Grays finished bottom of the Conference National in 23rd place, after Chester City was expelled from the league and their record was expunged. Finishing 17 points behind the team above, including a two-point deduction for fielding ineligible players Grays were relegated, but opted to resign from the Football Conference and reject the chance to join the Conference South, instead applying to join the Isthmian League.

The club had four different managers, Craig Edwards, Gary Phillips, Peter Shreeves (as a caretaker) and Julian Dicks, who served the longest from September onwards. Grays used a total of 67 players in the Conference National, FA Cup, FA Trophy and Essex Senior Cup. Richard Graham was the most used player, making 40 appearances in all competitions, while Jamie Slabber was top goalscorer with just five goals.

Grays were knocked out of both the FA Cup by Luton Town in the Fourth Qualifying Round and by Worcester City in the First Round of the FA Trophy. Having progressed through the Fourth Round of the Essex Senior Cup by beating Romford, Grays were knocked out by Chelmsford City in the Fifth Round.

Background
Grays Athletic finished in 19th place in the Conference National during the 2008–09 season, avoiding relegation and securing their place in the Conference for the following season. This was their fourth successive season in the Conference National, making the 2009–10 season their fifth in the league. Craig Edwards was appointed manager in May 2009, after the season had ended, whilst caretaker manager, Gary Phillips was appointed as assistant manager. Steve Browne was also appointed as a coach, quitting his role as a coach at Enfield Town to take up the post higher up the football pyramid. The whole squad was disbanded, with the exception of Jamie Taylor, due to a smaller budget than the previous season.

Stuart Thurgood moved to League Two club Dagenham & Redbridge in May, whilst Barry Cogan joined Crawley Town on 8 June. Tooting & Mitcham players Paul Vines and Allan McLeod joined Grays on trial in late May, although Vines opted to stay at Tooting in June, whilst McLeod's position was still unconfirmed. Dave McSweeney was reported to have joined Grays Athletic after he left Billericay Town, although this was unconfirmed by Grays. Manager Edwards, said that French defender Cedric Ngakam, who he had previously managed at Dulwich Hamlet was on trial and that two players from last season, Kenny Davis and Jamie Slabber "might stay".

Following Micky Woodward stepping down as chairman of the club, John Moncur was appointed as his successor, with Andy Swallow appointed as vice chairman. Peter Shreeves was brought in as director of football for senior and youth football. However, Woodward stated his intention of staying on as chief executive officer. Grays signed six players during the closed season: Jerson Dos Santos from Crystal Palace, Michael Haswell from AFC Wimbledon, Marcel McKie, Nick McKoy from Enfield Town, Allan McLeod from Tooting & Mitcham and Serge Makofo from Croydon Athletic. Grays started their pre-season training on 22 June, although Edwards had a core of "17 to 22" players looking for an opportunity to play full-time Conference football, in once a week since the start of June. Kingstonian's Dean Lodge joined Grays on a two-week trial on 23 June. Club captain, Jamie Stuart departed Grays releasing a statement on 28 June, stating that he would be leaving the club after declining an offer of a new contract from Craig Edwards, which Edwards described as "miles apart" from Stuart's expectations. On 30 June, Stuart signed for fellow Conference team Rushden & Diamonds, reuniting with former Grays manager Justin Edinburgh.

July
Grays Athletic announced an additional friendly fixture with Barnet to be hosted at The Academy in Loughton, after Brentwood Town cancelled a friendly with Barnet because their pitch was not ready. In their first friendly of the season, Grays lost 2–1 against a Barnet side which consisted entirely of trialists. The last remaining player of the previous 2008–09 season, Jamie Taylor left Grays joining fellow Conference National side Eastbourne Borough on 10 July. Grays were defeated 2–1 by West Ham United in a friendly at the New Recreation Ground on 12 July. Zavon Hines opened the scoring for West Ham in the 15th minute, before Jamie Slabber equalised for Grays seven minutes later scoring past goalkeeper, Péter Kurucz. Cristian Montano scored West Ham's second goal in the 73rd minute. A 4–2 victory away against Metropolitan Police followed on 14 July, with Bertie Brayley and Reggie Savage scoring two goals each. Two days later, Grays faced Isthmian League Division One North side East Thurrock United, with the game finishing 1–1 after trialist, Charlie Taylor equalised with a penalty.

Grays won their next friendly 4–2 against Margate on 18 July, which saw Bertie Brayley, Jamie Slabber and Serge Makofo scoring one each and Dean Lodge converting a penalty. A team of trialists and youth players were fielded by Grays away against Boreham Wood on 21 July. They lost 2–1, and Jamie Davis scored Grays' only goal. Two goals in the last four minutes from Jamie Slabber and Serge Makofo ensured Grays defeated a youtful Dagenham & Redbridge XI 2–1 on 22 July. It was announced that midfielder Richard Graham, striker Charlie Taylor and defender Shayne Mangodza signed for Grays Athletic on 24 July. Less than a month after signing for Grays, Allan McLeod left to rejoin former club Tooting & Mitcham saying "[Grays] really mucked me about so I just went to see the bosses, shook them by the hand and said that is me out of here." Another victory was added to Grays' pre-season campaign with a 2–1 victory at local rivals Thurrock. Grays kept their first clean sheet of the pre-season, in a 2–0 victory away at newly promoted Isthmian League Premier Division club Aveley on 30 July, in which trialists Gavin Hoyte and Sam Cutler scored. A day later, goalscorer Gavin Hoyte signed for the club on a permanent basis, along with Jamie Slabber and Sam Long.

August
Conference South club Bromley defeated Grays 5–1 at Hayes Lane on 1 August, with Warren McBean scoring four times for the hosts and Jamie Slabber scoring his fifth of the pre-season. In their last pre-season game on 4 August, Grays defeated Maidstone United 1–0, as Richard Graham scored the only goal of the game. Grays Athletic announced they had made nine new signings on 5 August. The signings included Lee McEvilly, Adriano Rigoglioso, Fred Murray, Billy Lumley, Preston Edwards and Sam Cutler. Kenny Davis, Ronnie Bull and Cameron Mawer also returned to Grays following previous spells with the club. On 6 August, Craig Edwards publicly stated he had been sacked as manager, along with his assistant Steve Browne. The Non-League Paper had reported four days earlier that Steve Lomas was linked with the job, despite Edwards still being in charge. Alan Lewer was bought in to help coach the first team along with former Grays manager, Gary Phillips. Grays added three more players to their squad on 7 August. Tommy Black rejoined the club with Craig Braham-Barrett and Billy Crowther also signing, whilst Shayne Mangodza was released despite joining just two weeks prior.

August
Grays' first game of the season was due to take place on 8 August, hosting Chester City. However, the game was cancelled the day before as Chester had not secured accreditation with The Football Association, after they had been in voluntary financial administration. Paul Terry and Dean Morgan both signed for Grays on 10 August, whilst Michael Haswell was released. Six days after signing for the club on 11 August, Fred Murray was loaned out to Luton Town for six-months. The same day, Grays Athletic played their first game of the 2009–10 Conference National season away at Histon. The two sides drew 0–0 at Bridge Road. On 14 August, Grays added another player to their squad, signing striker Daniel Charge. The following day, Tamworth defeated Grays 2–1 away at The Lamb Ground, in a game which saw Dean Morgan score his first goal for the club, and Grays' first competitive goal of the season. Three more players were signed on 17 August, including Rio Bryan-Edwards and Tom Harvey, whilst George Beavan joined on loan after a spell at Grays last season. Grays won their first home fixture of the season, defeating Eastbourne Borough 1–0, in which Richard Graham scored. A second defeat of the season came on 22 August, when Kidderminster Harriers beat Grays 3–1 at home. Daniel Charge scored for Grays. Three more permanent signings were made on 28 August, Glenn Poole, Jack Jeffery and Jack Obersteller and Sam Gaughran joined on loan from Peterborough United. The next day, Grays drew 1–1 away at Crawley Town, scoring a late equaliser through Charlie Taylor. On 31 August, Grays were defeated at home by AFC Wimbledon 4–2 in the Conference National. Former Grays players Brett Johnson and Danny Kedwell scored, with Jon Main converting two penalties for Wimbledon. Grays' goals were scored by Sam Gaughran and Daniel Charge. Five players were also released. Serge Makofo, Dean Morgan, Tommy Black and Jerson Dos Santos, whilst Paul Terry signed for fellow Conference club Rushden & Diamonds.

September
Two more loan signings were made on 1 September, Anwar Uddin joined from Dagenham & Redbridge and Lee Butcher from Tottenham Hotspur, who had a spell last season with Grays, both joined on a one-month deal. Chief executive officer, Micky Woodward stated he would be stepping down from his position at the club but still retaining his shares. Midfielder Paolo Vernazza joined Grays on 4 September. The next day, Grays drew 1–1 at home with Mansfield Town. Despite going 1–0 down through Jake Speight in the 12th minute, Jamie Slabber scored Grays' equaliser 24 minutes later, with a close-range header. A day prior to facing Salisbury City, Grays released goalkeeper Billy Lumley. Grays were defeated 2–0 away at Salisbury City on 8 September. Gary Phillips was placed on garden leave on 10 September, after the club announced its intent to appoint a new manager a few days prior. Grays' director of football, Peter Shreeves was appointed as caretaker manager for the match against Rushden & Diamonds two days later, with fitness coach Tom Snow assisting him. Two more players joined the club on 11 September, Daryl Robson and Getro Kilapi. A day later, Grays were defeated by Rushden & Diamonds 5–4 away at Nene Park. Glenn Poole, Jack Obersteller, Kenny Davis and Anwar Uddin scored for Grays. Former Wivenhoe Town manager Julian Dicks was appointed as the new manager on 15 September, with Grays announcing they had offered Spanish club CD Jávea manager, Kenny Brown a contract to become his assistant. Dicks' first game as manager was at home to Altrincham on 19 September, suffering a 3–0 defeat. Jávea later denied Brown accepted the offer from Grays on 20 September, before confirming his departure later that same day. Striker Petar Rnkovic was Dicks' first signing on 22 September, gaining international clearance just hours before Grays were due to kick-off against Stevenage Borough. Rnkovic scored on his debut as Grays drew 1–1 with Stevenage away at Broadhall Way. A defeat followed away at Forest Green Rovers on 26 September, with Kenny Davis scoring his second goal of the season in Grays' 2–1 loss. Dicks won his first game as Grays manager at home to Cambridge United on 29 September, when Grays won 2–0 with goals from Daniel Charge and Glenn Poole who converted a penalty.

October
Grays Athletic held Gateshead at home to a 0–0 draw on 3 October. On 5 October, Grays announced that loan signings Sam Gaughran, Lee Butcher and Anwar Uddin returned to their parent clubs. However, a day later it was confirmed that Uddin's loan was extended until 31 October. Oxford United defeated Grays 5–0 at the Kassam Stadium, which saw goalkeeper Preston Edwards sent-off after two yellow cards. As Grays did not have a substitute goalkeeper, defender Anwar Uddin had to stand-in. The draw for the 2009–10 FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying was made on 12 October, with Grays being drawn away to Luton Town. In the draw for Second Round of the 2009–10 Essex Senior Cup, Grays were drawn away to Romford. Lloyd Anderson, Danny Bunce and Fola Onibuje signed for the club on 15 October. Away at Wrexham, Grays were defeated 2–1 on 17 October, with Jamie Slabber scoring. In the Third Round of the Essex Senior Cup, Grays defeated Romford 5–0 away. Kenny Davis scored twice with Jamie Slabber, Petar Rnkovic and Sam Cutler all scoring one each. Luton Town defeated Grays 3–0 in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round on 24 October. In their next game on 31 October, Grays drew 3–3 with Barrow at home in a league fixture, which saw Fola Onibuje open the scoring and Jamie Slabber scoring the subsequent two goals for Grays.

November
In November, it was announced that Adriano Rigoglioso and Lee McEvilly were released from the club. McEvilly failed to make a single appearance for Grays. Three new signings were confirmed, Alain Logombe, Charles Mallman and Allseny Cissoko who both were previously with CD Jávea. Anwar Uddin's loan was extended for a further month. In the Conference National, Grays hosted Chester City on 7 November, losing 3–1. Macclesfield Town defender, Stephen Reed joined Grays on a one-month loan on 12 November. A defeat followed at home to Luton Town in the league, losing 2–0 on 14 November. Anwar Uddin returned to parent club Dagenham & Redbridge due to an injury, whilst Billy Bingham and Harlee Dean were signed on loan from the same club on 20 November. Gateshead defeated Grays Athletic 3–0 away on 21 November, which saw Daryl Clare scoring a hat-trick and Grays striker Fola Onibuje sent-off. The First Round draw for the 2009–10 FA Trophy was made on 23 November. Grays were drawn away to Conference South club Worcester City, with the match scheduled for 12 December. Sam Cutler and Jack Obersteller both joined Conference South club Welling United on 24 November. That same day, Grays held Barrow to a 2–2 away draw at Holker Street in the league. Histon forward, Bradley Hudson-Odoi signed on a one-month loan on 27 November. Grays defeated Tamworth 1–0 at home on 28 November, giving them their third league win of the season, Petar Rnkovic scored the only goal of the game.

December
Histon defeated Grays at home 1–0 in the Conference on 1 December. A 0–0 draw away to Mansfield Town followed on 5 December, with Grays goalkeeper, Stuart Robinson saving a penalty taken by Robert Duffy. Two days later, Grays were knocked out in the Fourth Round of the Essex Senior Cup by Chelmsford City in a 1–0 defeat. Worcester City defeated Grays 3–1, knocking them out the FA Trophy in the First Round on 12 December. Jake Reid joined from Weymouth, describing it as a "good move". Grays' home game with York City on 19 December was called off 90 minutes prior to kick-off by referee Amy Rayner. Julian Dicks commented saying; "It's very soft underneath. We've had people here since 8 o'clock this morning working on it and, for me, it's playable". David Obaze later joined from Weymouth announced on 21 December. Dicks put his entire squad on the transfer list following the 3–1 defeat by Worcester City, saying "none of them are good enough for this level". Ebbsfleet United defeated Grays 2–1 at Stonebridge Road on 26 December. Another defeat followed two days later at home to Crawley Town, with Charles Ademeno scoring a hat-trick in the first six minutes of the game. Grays fought back and scored two goals with Jake Reid converting a penalty and a header from Fola Onibuje. Jamie Slabber left the club and joined Conference South club Woking on 31 December.

January
Grays started the new year with a 3–0 home loss to Ebbsfleet United on 1 January. Harry Baker signed on a one-month loan from Leyton Orient on 13 January, whilst left-winger Glenn Poole left to join AFC Wimbledon a day later. Daniel Charge also left Grays, joining Hemel Hempstead Town in the Southern Football League Premier Division. Defender Fred Murray signed for Luton Town on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell. Grays Athletic signed Cambridge United midfielder, Ben Farrell on a one-month loan deal on 15 January. However, the deal fell through and Farrell joined Weymouth instead. Forwards Wayne Gray and Alex Rhodes both signed for Grays on 19 January, as well as goalkeeper Richard Martin on loan from Yeovil Town. Dicks confirmed in an interview with BBC Essex that he was in talks with Jamie Guy, who had his contract at Colchester United terminated by mutual consent. Dicks said "We're talking to Jamie at the moment but it's early days". Jake Reid returned to his former club, Weymouth on 21 January, stating "I went there with the intention of signing until the end of the season. They wanted me on a month to month contract and for me to relocate but that wasn’t good enough for me ... what was promised wasn’t actually delivered". On the same day, Grays signed three more players. West Ham United left-back Andrea Zola and Huddersfield Town defender Jack Hunt both joined on loan, whilst Jamie Guy signed a contract until the end of the season. Harlee Dean's loan spell at the club from Dagenham & Redbridge was extended until the end of the season. Having had a number of games postponed due to The Big Freeze, Grays played Oxford United at home on 23 January, losing 4–0. Three days later Grays suffered another defeat, 4–1 away to Kidderminster Harriers. Jamie Guy scored his first goal for the club, converting a penalty. Peter Shreeves also left the club as Director of Football, joining League Two club Barnet as a coach. David Obaze left the club and joined Sutton United, less than a month after signing from Weymouth.

February
On 6 February, Grays lost 3–0 at home to Rushden & Diamonds, with goalkeeper Richard Martin saving two penalties. Three days later away at Hayes & Yeading United, Grays were defeated again, losing 4–0 with Jordan Wilson being sent off for two yellow cards. Marc Clarey, Ibrahim Conteh and Joe Sweeney signed for Grays on 13 February, along with Duran Reynolds who joined on work experience from Southend United. They all went into the squad that same day to face Salisbury City at home, with Clarey, Sweeney and Reynolds making their debut in the 2–0 home loss. A further three signings were made on 20 February, goalkeeper Glyn Garner joined along with midfielders Sam Lechmere and Arian Retkoceri. Grays halted their eight-game losing streak, drawing 1–1 away with Altrincham. Allseny Cissoko opened the scoring in the 61st minute, before Chris Senior equalised for the home team. Harlee Dean was sent-off for Grays following two bookings.

March
Kettering Town defeated Grays 2–0 at Rockingham Road on 6 March. A 0–0 draw at home to Hayes & Yeading United followed on 13 March. Another draw followed away to Eastbourne Borough on 20 March, after going 2–0 down in the first-half. Grays equalised through Wayne Gray and Harlee Dean, before Dean was sent-off in injury time. Three days later, Grays lost 2–1 at home to Stevenage Borough, holding out until the 86th minute when Charlie Griffin scored the winning goal. Cambridge United defeated Grays 3–0, at The Abbey Stadium on 26 March, which saw Danny Crow score a hat-trick. On 30 March, York City defeated Grays 4–0 at home.

April
Following a 0–0 draw with Kettering Town on 3 April, it was confirmed that Grays Athletic were relegated from the Conference National. Luton Town defeated Grays 6–0 at Kenilworth Road on 5 April, with Kevin Gallen scoring a hat-trick. The club were docked two points and fined £500 by the Football Conference for fielding three ineligible players. The club initially evoked an appeal but later withdrew on 7 April. Daryl Robson and Callum Leahy played against Barrow on 30 October 2009 whilst ineligible. Sam Cutler also made three appearances whilst ineligible, one in August 2009 and two in October. On 10 April, Wrexham defeated Grays 2–0 at home. It was announced on 13 April that Grays would leave the New Recreation Ground at the end of the season as the owners decided not to extend the lease. With Grays already relegated, vice-chairman Andy Swallow stated that the club might have to drop down into the Isthmian League Premier Division, as groundsharing with Thurrock at Ship Lane in the Conference South would prove too costly. Swallow stated that the club were looking at the possibility of groundsharing with either East Thurrock United or Tilbury. That same day Grays Athletic ended a 22-game winless streak, with a 2–0 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow. The 16-year-old striker, Alex Osborn opened the scoring in the 54th minute, before Jamie Guy converted a penalty 19 minutes after. Grays followed that victory with a 1–1 draw away at York City, despite goalkeeper Glyn Garner getting sent-off in the 22nd minute, defender Duran Reynolds scored a late equaliser. In the last game of the season on 24 April, and the last game at the New Recreation Ground, Grays Athletic defeated Forest Green Rovers 2–1, condemning them to relegation. After going 1–0 down in the first half, Alex Osborn and Allseny Cissoko both scored in the second half to hand Grays their fifth and final victory in the Conference National.

May
Alex Osborn left the club and signed for Dagenham & Redbridge on 13 May, but is likely to rejoin Grays on loan in the 2010–11 season. Grays also announced the release of eight players following their relegation, these included Preston Edwards, Glyn Garner, Gavin Hoyte, Alex Rhodes, Wayne Gray, Jamie Guy, Richard Graham and Jordan Wilson. The club faced uncertainty about what division they would be relegated to, having applied to the Isthmian League, it was rejected on the basis that the relevant paperwork had not been submitted and they had not informed the league where they will be playing. The club potentially faced being demoted four leagues and placed into the Essex Senior League. Basildon United secretary, Richard Mann opened the possibility of groundsharing at Gardniers Close stating "Although no talks have begun about Grays playing at Basildon United next season the club would certainly not object to such a groundshare".

June
In June, it was announced that Grays had won their appeal with The FA and would be placed in the Isthmian League Premier Division and confirmed the club would be groundsharing with East Thurrock United at Rookery Hill in Corringham. However, the Isthmian League later announced on 8 July that Grays were again refused entry to the Isthmian League stating; "Grays does not meet criteria for membership", due to being unable to approve the groundshare with East Thurrock United. Following a meeting at Wembley Stadium on 15 July, it was announced that Grays would play in the Isthmian League Division One North.

Match results

 * All friendly matches and first team games in Conference National, FA Cup, FA Trophy, Conference League Cup and Essex Senior Cup are listed below.

Conference National

 * For information on this season's Conference National, see 2009–10 Conference National

FA Cup

 * For information on this season's FA Cup, see 2009–10 FA Cup, and for more informantion on the Qualifying Rounds, see 2009–10 FA Cup Qualifying Rounds

FA Trophy

 * For information on this season's FA Trophy, see 2009–10 FA Trophy

Player statistics

 * As of 14:35, 26 April 2010 (UTC)

Manager statistics

 * As of 14:27, 26 April 2010 (UTC)