Jamie Stuart admits he has plenty more to do after busy week bolstering Grays squad

Former player Stuart was named Mark Bentley’s replacement just two-and-a-half weeks ago but says he has not stopped since taking the reins.

Following the arrival of Sam Baffour, Stuart has brought in goalkeeper Seb Brown, defenders Leon Opok, Kwabena Osei, Ronnie O’Donnell and John Beales, midfielder Aaron Wickham while former Aveley attacker David Fallah also joins.

And Stuart says he is not finished yet as he looks to rebuild the side which lost the final 10 games of the 2015/16 Ryman Premier League season.

“I haven’t stopped since taking over but I am enjoying it,” said Stuart. “It is hectic but it was always going to be that way. I have been getting plenty of calls from agents but I just want to get going now and we will see what happens in pre-season.

“We have had a couple of trial games and some of the boys really impressed me so I brought them in. There are spaces that still need to be filled but a lot of players aren’t available until pre-season begins so it may be a case of waiting for a little bit.”

Former Dartford and Margate man Beales and ex professional Brown are the most experienced additions, although another home favourite will likely be departing the club.

Goalkeeper Lamar Johnson has been told he does not feature in Stuart’s plans but he feels the players he has added will provide good balance.

“The team that is being built is a promising one and a good mixture of youth and experience,” he said. “You need those old heads to bring balance, with plenty of young lads looking to show what they can do.

“I have brought in players like Seb Brown and John Beales and they will be a big part of what we want to do.

“Seb has been brought in as my number one and I have had a chat with Lamar and told him he doesn’t feature in my plans.

“I know John well and if we can keep him fit and look after him he will be a big factor in the dressing room as well as on the pitch.”