Grays have won the FA Trophy twice

Grays Athletic chairman Mike Woodward is promising changes over the summer.

The Essex club have secured their Blue Square Premier status for next season following a midweek win over Crawley.

Grays have had another season of turmoil in which two managers left and players were asked to take a 50% pay cut to ease the finances.

Woodward told BBC Essex: "I won't be the chairman next season but will still be on the board and there are a few things to sort out."

The Grays chairman has invested thousands of pounds of his own money to take the club from the Ryman League to within striking distance of the Football League, when they lost in the Conference play-offs to Halifax in 2006.

Gary has been very loyal to me but we've got to look at other issues and we'll also have to wait and see as to whether we stay full-time Mike Woodward

They have also won the FA Trophy twice but Woodward has become the target of abuse from some fans and has had enough.

"I'll still be on the board to protect my investment and I have an idea who the new chairman will be so if they want to slaughter him on messageboards then good luck to them because they'll have their hands full," said Woodward.

Gary Phillips took over as manager in January and he will remain with Grays next season, although it is not yet known in what capacity.

"Gary has been very loyal to me but we've got to look at other issues and we'll also have to wait and see as to whether we stay full-time or go part-time," added Woodward.

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