NEW Grays Athletic manager Mark Bentley wants a top 10 finish this season as he looks to build a side capable of better things next term.

Bentley, 37, took over at Blues at the start of last month following the departure of Jody Brown to Conference Premier outfit Welling United. And the former Southend United midfielder said after last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Canvey Island that he wants to bring the glory days back to the club.

“It has been good so far,” he said. “I have been here for nine games and we have won five of those and the boys have taken to me as well. It was really nice to get such a good reception from the supporters in the bar at Aveley when I was announced as manager (by club owner Andy Swallow) and I want to repay their faith.

“We have been fortunate and avoided any serious injuries. We were without Aaron Best-Riley for the Canvey game but all good teams have strength in depth.

“We obviously lost Freddie Ladapo (to Margate) recently and replacing his goals is going to be a problem. We have Joel Nouble, who does everything but score, and DD (Dumebi Dumaka) who always looks dangerous. But I am confident the goals will come.”

Thurrock Gazette:

Dumebi Dumaka in action for Grays against Canvey last weekend

Bentley has a more settled squad since taking charge, with fewer incomings and outgoings compared to the first half of the season.

And he wants his side to push for a top-half finish.

“It has been more settled since I have come in,” he said. “There were a lot of changes before but this is a motivated group of boys and we want to push on up the league.

“We are forward thinking and are not looking over our shoulders in the division which is important. I want to have more influence from the sidelines as management is a natural progression for me.

“I am grateful to have been given this chance and I want to show what I can achieve between now and the end of the season. Getting into the top 10 would be a good platform to build from.”

On the same day Bentley was announced as manager, it was revealed that Grays would be spending a third season at Aveley’s Mill Field ground as their search for a permanent home goes on.

And Bentley says this is vital to the future of the club.

“I try and keep my mind away from the off the field side of things,” he said. “My concern is what happens on the pitch and that is where my focus lies. It will be difficult bringing players in as we don’t have a permanent home but this is great club with a proud history and we want to return to those times.”