Trophy exit cuts short Gray era

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Coalville Town and manager Jimmy Gray parted company on Saturday night in the wake of their 4-1 defeat at home to Mickleover Sports in the FA Trophy.

Gray, pictured, left the Ravens within an hour of the First Division South club falling at the first hurdle in the Preliminary Round.

In a statement confirming his departure after less than five weeks at the helm at Owen Street, officials said an announcement on their vacant managerial post would be made within days with the club due to host Newcastle Town next Saturday.

Gray was appointed at the start of September as the successor to Adam Stevens who stood down after eight successful years guiding the Leicestershire club.

Stevens proved a hard act to follow with Gray leaving after a poor run of results. After reaching the FA Cup's Third Qualifying Round, the Ravens were knocked out in a replay at Lowestoft Town and had won just three games in their last 11 since Gray and his assistant manager Andy Turner were appointed. Turner, who worked with Gray during an interim spell as caretakers, also left the club on Saturday.

Coalville Town chairman Glyn Rennocks said: "It's with regret that we have parted company with Jimmy Gray and his assistant Andy Turner. The club would like to place on record it's thanks to Jimmy and Andy who have worked extremely hard during their period at the club but it's just not worked out for them."

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