JODY Brown has stepped down as Heybridge Swifts manager and taken over at Grays Athletic.

The former Halstead Town boss has replaced player-boss Ryan Kirby at the Ryman Premier side.

Brown took the reins at Scraley Road in December, replacing the Chelmsford City-bound Mark Hawkes.

In difficult circumstances, he guided them to third place in the table and the play-off semi-finals.

Brown admitted having a heavy heart about leaving, but said the opportunity to further his career was too good to turn down.

The Swifts board have said they will not comment until they had met over the weekend.

For the full story, including quotes from Brown, see Monday's Daily Gazette.