FORMER Grays Athletic and Welling United boss Jody Brown has returned to Heybridge Swifts to replace Cliff Akurang as manager.
Brown initially took charge of Swifts in December 2013 and helped them into the Ryman North play-offs before leaving for Ryman Premier Grays seven months later.
After six months at Grays, Brown was appointed Welling United manager in Non-League‘s top division but he was sacked after just 73 days at the helm.
He is now back at Heybridge Swifts after a spell as assistant manager at Vanarama National League South side Concord Rangers.
And he has a big job on his hands with Swifts currently sitting bottom of the Ryman North with just one league win from their opening nine fixtures.
“It’s a huge challenge to take with the club currently bottom of the table, and a situation I never expected to see after our run to the play-offs two seasons ago,” Brown said.
“I’ve accumulated a great deal of experience over the last ten years from the bottom all the way to the top of Non-League football, as have all the staff, and I believe with hard work, support, and a group of hungry players, it can and will turn around.
“I feel that alongside a very experienced management staff, we can create a professional environment, implement a playing philosophy and a winning mentality, and most certainly bring some stability and good times back to Scraley Road.
“People have asked why I’m willing to drop back down to this level having worked so hard to climb the Pyramid, and the answer is very simple: The club’s future plans, the belief in the staff, my desire to manage again, and the chance to show that we can turn around the clubs struggling fortunes.
“It won’t happen overnight, but me and Steve (Pitt, director of football) will give it everything we have, on and off the field, and I’m sure we can create an environment & a positivity for the loyal band of supporters to get behind again. I’m glad to be back.”
