JAY Leader has made an astonishing u-turn and joined Grays Athletic..having signed for East Thurrock only weeks ago.

The experienced defender told the Echo he had chosen to join John Coventry's Rocks after the boss had told him of his ambitions, and on the recommendations of former manager Justin Gardner, at Aveley.

However, according to Grays Athletic's official website, the 24-year-old has now joined East Thurrock's Ryman Premier League rivals.

Leader told the Echo one of the other reasons he had decided to join East Thurrock was because of the players they were signing, which included striker Kris Newby.

However, at the start of last week it was revealed Newby had already agreed terms with Ryman North side AFC Sudbury, leaving Coventry in the lurch.

East Thurrock are yet to release a statement regarding Leader.