JODY Brown says it was an "extremely hard" decision to leave Grays Athletic and take over at Conference Premier outfit Welling United.

Brown had been becoming a fans favourite at Blues since taking over in July, with his free-flowing style of football appreciated by the home faithful.

However, after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Wingate & Finchley Brown announced his resignation.

Here is his statement in full.

"I am grateful to Andy Swallow & the board for giving me the opportunity to manage a club the size and with the history of Grays Athletic.

"Without doubt, in Andy, Joel, and the Packer family , I found the most supportive board & owners I've ever experienced, and I'm very grateful for that.

"I feel the club is moving in a good direction, and has a squad with huge potential & playing a brand of football that will benefit them long term.

"I found it extremely hard to tell the players & staff that I was leaving after the game, because they've all given me a lot, despite the short time we had been together.

"I'll miss the club, the people, the staff, the training ground, and the players.

"There are four or five young lads that have huge futures, and I hope they can continue their progress within the club.

"Football is my profession, I'm ambitious, and when the opportunity to speak with a club with such strong recent form, league position, and ambition as Welling United, I could not refuse.

"I hope to always be a friend of Grays Athletic Football Club, and I sincerely hope to see them climb the ladder and return to the force they once were.

"Special mention to Kenny Beaney the skipper; he's been tremendous in the way he's worked for us, and always a positive influence on the training field and the pitch.

"Good luck to everyone associated with the club, thank you for the support the fans gave us in my time in charge.

"Welling United is a great opportunity for me, and I look forward to the challenges that lay ahead."

Brown will now ply his trade at Conference Premier outfit Welling, who sit 16th in the division after a 3-1 win over Aldershot Town today.

They have been searching for a new boss ever since Jamie Day left 10 days ago to join Ebbsfleet United, citing Welling's lack of funds as a reason for his departure.

The move marks a remarkable six months for Brown, having risen from Ryman One North side Heybridge Swifts to the Conference Premier.

But Brown has taken on the challenge, with Blues six points above the Ryman Premier drop zone.

The news comes a week after Brown had told the club's website that he felt confident Grays could challenge for promotion in the next couple of seasons.

Club chairman Andy Swallow will take over at the club as caretaker manager, before a new manager is chosen in the New Year.

Veteran midfielder Glenn Little will be assiatant manager for tomorrow's game against Barkingside, and although Brown will be present it will just be as a spectator.

Swallow also confirmed Brown would bring Welling to Mill Field as part of next season's pre-season schedule.