GRAYS Athletic's new chairman Lee Vehit has spoken of his pride at taking over the role following the decision of Steve Skinner to stand down.

He said: "It's an incredible honour to be asked to take on the chairmanship of our remarkable football club. I'd like to thank the board of directors and in particular Steve Skinner and Glyn Jarvis for the outstanding service they have given the club over the years as chairman and vice chairman respectively, and am incredibly pleased they are both remaining on the board to continue to support the running of the club and provide me and new vice-chairman Gavin Holland the help and guidance we need as we take on the task of leading the club into a new era.

"There is something uniquely special about Grays Athletic Football Club.

"Our history speaks for itself, but it's the fans who come to support us and the people who volunteer for us that makes our club more than just a club, they make it a family.

"The sense of responsibility myself, Gavin and the entirety of the board feels towards 'our family' is huge and I'll never underestimate the importance this club has to you all.

"This past season has once again shown everyone the huge potential we have and it's as important as ever to have the ambition, drive and strategic foresight to keep moving the club forward whilst maintaining the stability the club needs to continue to be the focal point of our community. Our focus must be to ensure we have a place to call home and a successful football club which serves our community for generations to come.

"I've been part of the Grays Athletic family for a number of years from coaching the club's Little Avengers with Jimmy Thandi and Gavin Holland, starting and running a successful female youth team, sitting on the club's youth management committee as well as being the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion director at the club. More importantly, I've stood with you all as a fan both home and away and know what our club means to you all.

"Grays Athletic is a huge part of my life, like it is yours, and I cannot wait to get started to hopefully help bring a period of solidity and success to the club."

In April the club announced a reshuffle and the expansion of its board and the appointment of Mr Vehit and Mr Holland, who said: "I am honoured to be appointed Vice Chairman and would like to take this opportunity to firstly thank the current Chair, Steve Skinner and the current Vice Chair, Glyn Jarvis, for their continued support.

Gavin Holland.

" I would also like to address the GAFC fans, to assure them of my commitment to the club and the fight for Ship Lane, which I anticipate will be a significant element of my role in the coming weeks, months and beyond.

"I have been involved with Grays Athletic Football Club for many years, primarily at a grass roots level coaching youth teams before expanding my role to include Club Treasurer.

"GAFC is a vital aspect of the local community, has a passionate fan base and deserves to have a home of its own once again, and I look forward to working alongside Lee Vehit and the rest of board to realise the club's full potential."