FORMER Sutton United and Woking player Matt Gray has taken his first step into management – and he wants some English Non-League quality to help him Down Under.
Gray was a regular in the Blue Square Bet Premier, South and Ryman Premier until he moved to Australia in April 2011. The midfielder, who only turned 29 on Monday, has taken over as boss of Shepparton Soccer Club.
His former Kingstonian captain Adam Thompson is set to join him as assistant-manager at the Regional Premier League side situated 120 miles from Melbourne.
Gray, who has also played for Havant & Waterlooville and Carshalton, told The NLP: “I’m looking for a couple of players who might be interested in a season out here.
“We offer flights, accomodation, a wage and a job away from football – plus an amazing lifestyle in a brilliant country, of course!”
Gray has spent the last two Australian seasons with Cobram Victory alongside English mates like player-coach Craig Carley, the former Walton Casuals and Met Police striker, but has moved an hour south to their Victorian state rivals for his managerial breakthrough.
“There is a strong Non-League community out here and the league is getting stronger every year,” said Gray.
“I’ve enjoyed playing for Cobram, but the opportunity to put all I’ve learned playing at a good standard back home into practice was too good to turn down.”
Gray can be contacted on mattgray1984@hotmail.com.
