A FORMER star player for Grays Athletic is set to stand trial over allegations of cocaine dealing.

Stuart Thurgood, 38 of Morley Grove, Harlow was charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug.

Thurgood appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday afternoon in a case management hearing. He was remanded in custody.

He will make his next appearance on 18 January with a trial date set for 18 October, 2021.

A former club captain Thurgood made 242 appearances for the Blues between 2003 and 2010 and starred in both the club's FA Trophy wins in 2005 and 2006.

His playing career was cut short by injury but he later returned to the club for a brief spell as a coach.