GRAYS Athletic manager Lewis Dark has decided not to step down from the role following the club's play-off defeat by Sudbury.

A statement from the club says: "Having taken time to consider his future after last week's playoff disappointment Lewis feels that, for a number of reasons, he does not wish to commit to a further season in charge.

"The club would like to place on record its gratitude to Lewis for stepping up from team captain to manager last year and providing a season to remember which resulted in the club's best league finish in six years.

"He and his family will of course always be welcome at Grays Athletic."