Grays Athletic have named Craig Edwards as their new first team manager.

It will be his second spell in charge at the New Recreation Ground, having previously lost the job during the 2002/03 season.

He takes over from Gary Phillips after stepping down as boss of Ryman Division One side Dulwich Hamlet last month.

Phillips, who led the team in their successful battle to avoid relegation from the Blue Square Premier, will stay on as assistant manager.

Edwards told BBC Essex: "It's a great challenge for me and my assistant Steve [Brown] and we're both relishing it.

"Mick [Woodward, Grays Athletic chairman] knows all about me, I've worked with him at at two different clubs and have had four very good years together, so when he gave me the chance to have another go at it I jumped at it."

The club also confirmed they would remain full-time next season, but working within the confines of a 'strict budget'.

However, Edwards believes this could work in his favour.

"A good few players will be leaving and we'll be bringing in players we feel are more cost effective," he explained.

"The players I'll be looking for are players that are as hungry as me and every day they come into training, every game they play I'll see that desire in them to do well at that level."

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