Martin Gray steps down as Shildon sporting director

Former York City and Darlington manager Martin Gray has left his role as sporting director at Northern League Shildon AFC.
Gray, who took the post in October 2018 after leaving the Minstermen, left Dean Street this week to concentrate on his academy and other business interests as the Railwaymen prepared to travel to Whitley Bay today (Saturday).
The Railwaymen saw the appointment of Gray, pictured, as a key part of a five year project to get them up into the Northern Premier League and paid tribute to him in a statement confirming his departure.
The statement read: “We are grateful for the blueprint Martin has set down for the future direction of the club’s training regime and academy structure.
“He has a wealth of experience, which we have been fortunate to draw upon whilst he’s been at the club, and he has helped set the foundations for the next chapter in Shildon AFC’s history.
“We always knew that Martin would be employed by Shildon AFC for a limited period of time and we wish him all the best in his future career.”
Shildon chairman David Dent explained Grays’ mission and role when he was appointed.
“We are building on the club’s strong foundations to help us realise our ambitions on and off the pitch,” said Dent.
“Martin’s appointment is a defining moment in the club’s history. He is an exceptional coach and manager and brings strong leadership skills.
“We have spent a great deal of time planning the clubs next step and Martin is an essential part of this and he is as excited as I am at the challenge ahead.
“This is a five year project and I am confident we will see Shildon competing in the Northern Premier League, with a successful Academy behind us.
“This forms a crucial part of the work which is ongoing with our community club sponsor Livin allowing the club to be truly engaged with our local community.”