NEW Grays Athletic manager Jamie Stuart has warned supporters not to expect overnight success but insists he will bring the good times back to the club.

Stuart, who made 229 appearances for the club and won back-to-back FA Trophy titles and the former Conference South during a five-year spell as a player, was named manager last week and is already working hard to improve the squad after a difficult end to the last campaign.

An influx of high-profile departures plus the exit of owner Andy Swallow mean talks are ongoing regarding a takeover by a supporters trust, although funds are expected to be limited.

Blues lost their final 10 matches of the Ryman Premier League season but Stuart says he has returned to bring back the smiles at Mill Field.

“I want to bring back the good times,” he said. “We won’t have the biggest budget in the world but I am confident, if the right players are brought in, that we can compete next year.

“One thing I can guarantee is that all my teams will have the drive, passion and determination to be successful and will always leave everything on the pitch.

“I am not saying success will be instant as it is a re-building job but I believe in this club.”

Stuart is speaking to players about joining the club and has backed his own managerial qualities despite a relative lack of experience in the dugout.

“There are some players I like and I will speak to them about next season,” he said. “I will use my contacts at other clubs to bring in reinforcements and you will see movement on that score in the coming weeks.

“My spell here as a player was one of the most enjoyable of my career and the team was hugely successful and I want to be a success as a manager as well.

“I was the assistant manager at Margate under Nikki Bull and I managed a game at Grays in the past so I have a bit of experience but I am obviously still learning.

“I have had positive chats with everyone and I know what is at my disposal at the club. My main priority is to make sure the club is sustainable for the future.”