GRAYS Athletic have appointed former Premier League midfielder Glen Little as their new assistant manager.

The former Reading midfielder turned down a number of offers from other clubs to remain at Mill Field, where he made such an impact last season.

Having linked up with the club last September under previous manager Jody Brown, Little played an important role in the first part of the season before he left with Brown to join National League side Welling.

But he returned in March to assist manager Mark Bentley as Grays came within a point of edging into the play-offs after a storming end to the Ryman Premier League campaign.

A play/coach under Bentley, Little also helped Blues reach the final of the Ryman League Cup, which they lost 3-2 to Hendon.

Club owner Andy Swallow has praised the decision, and has backed Little to continue to shine under Bentley, on and off the pitch.

“It’s great to have Glen on board,” he said. “He has had several good offers from other clubs but wants to stay and help Mark and help the Blues progress up the leagues.”