Jim Cooper comes in at Grays Athletic

Grays Athletic have moved quickly to replace former boss Jamie Stuart by appointing Jim Cooper as the club’s new first team manager. 
Cooper is best known for his 15 year spell with Met Police, where he took charge of over 850 games, winning the Ryman South title in 2011 before going on to to take the club to the first round of the FA Cup.
During his playing days, the news Grays boss turned out of a number of Non-League clubs, including the likes of Barking, Leytonstone & Ilford, Dagenham, Aveley.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Cooper said: “I am delighted and very proud to be appointed as the new manager of Grays Athletic FC. I know that it will be a very difficult task to take over from a true legend of this club (Jamie) but as soon as I spoke with the chairman I knew what a fantastic opportunity it would be for me due to the plans the club has in place both on and off the pitch.
“I aim to give the current squad every chance to remain with the club and will look at all of them at some point. In the short term, my plan is to improve our league position and win as many games between now and the end of this season which will hopefully show the fans that the club is in safe hands.
“My long term plan is to build a side that is capable of challenging for promotion. To do that, I will be looking to bring in some players this season who I know will add quality to the current squad and who I feel will also be part of my plans for next season.
“I aim to forge closer links with the excellent youth teams that the club currently has at its disposal which I know can benefit the club in years to come and you will see me cheering them on from the sidelines on a Sunday morning.
“Please feel free to come up to me in the bar at any time and introduce yourself. I will be available to answer any of your questions.”