UNFORTUNATELY, all does not seem to be well at the New Recreation Ground, home of next weekend's opponents Grays Athletic.

The 2005 FA Trophy winners have not had the best of starts to the new season and following the sale of last season's leading scorer Danny Kedwell to AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday, for a fee reported to be about £10,000, things have seriously deteriorated further.

On Friday, their chairman and manager Mick Woodward posted a statement on the club's website regarding certain allegations (see bottom) and then following yesterday's defeat at Woking he appears to have decided to quit the club.

The club website reported: Following yesterday's announcement Grays Athletic Owner/Chairman/Manager, Mick Woodward, has taken the decision to stand down from his position and place the club up for sale, the team will continue to fulfil their remaining fixtures.

Speaking to the Thurrock Gazette after the final whistle at the Kingfield Stadium and watching his charges slump to a fifth defeat in six games, Woodward said: "Woking wanted the points more in the second half than us. On a personal note, I have had enough. I am putting up the club for sale. I have taken this club from the ashes and can only take so much."

There is a video interview with Woodward on www.yourthurrock.com/

Thursday's statement:

I have been informed that some of our fans have been in contact with the Non League Press stating that I have taken the transfer money from the Danny Kedwell deal and other avenues.

Since I came to the club in 2000 I have taken the bull by the horns and put my heart and soul as well as hard cash into this club, if anyone doubts the amount that has been invested they can obtain details from Companies House which will show exactly how much is owed to my company.

If you look at the crowds that we are getting you can see that someone has to make up the shortfall that is why I have been looking for and agreeing deals with, sponsors to assist with this deficit.

I personally have not taken a penny out of this club and to have certain sections of Grays Athletic supporters accusing me and my family of taking money from the club disgusts me and I am now getting to the end of my tether.

A lot of these comments originated from an article that was published in the match day programme regarding changes, this was in regard to changes on the pitch and nothing more; however, 2-3 supporters have taken it on themselves to contrive this statement into something else and to cause a free for all against me and the club.

If anyone wants to know anything about the club they only have to ask Phil, Kevin or any other person working directly for the club, if things continue in the same vein then the small minority of supporters who continue to spout their vitriolic remarks will force the closure of this club as Grays Athletic 1982 Ltd will be closed down.

I have no problems with people having constructive criticism regarding the way we play, formations, players, coaches, management etc but things have been taken too far now.

This season we have taken on several new players and it does take time for these to gel into a unit

With regards to Danny Kedwell, it was he who requested a transfer from Grays Athletic as he could no longer maintain full-time status and raise his family, so it was with regret that we had to allow him to leave rather than forcing a player whole heart is not in it to stay.

If Supporters would like a meeting to discuss any of the above then please let Phil or Kevin know and we will arrange a date for this to take place.

Mike Woodward
Chairman
Grays Athletic Football Club