Former Grimsby star Burnett spent just four months as Grays boss

Grays Athletic manager Wayne Burnett has left the club by mutual consent, after just four months in charge at the Blue Square Premier outfit.

Under his guidance the club have fought their way out of the relegation zone and reached the FA Cup first round.

Grays chairman Mike Woodward told BBC Essex: "We had a chat and decided it wasn't working at the moment."

Assistant Gary Phillips will take over until the end of the season, becoming the seventh boss in under three years.

Woodward said: "Wayne came in on non-contract terms and has done a good job but it's been difficult for him.

"This is part of protecting Wayne's sanity and Gary Phillips (Burnett's assistant) will take over until the end of the season."

Burnett previously managed Fisher Athletic, while his playing career included spells at Plymouth, Grimsby and Huddersfield.

Woodward concluded: "We'll get this season out of the way and hopefully we'll still be in the Blue Square Premier and then we'll take stock."

Since Mark Stimson left the club for Stevenage in May 2006, Grays have had six different managers.

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