EX-SOUTHEND United favourite Mark Bentley could be in line for his first managerial role – at Grays Athletic.

The former Blues midfielder, who appeared 107 times for the Shrimpers, is currently assistant manager at the Ryman Premier League club, along with former Premier League midfielder Glen Little, and Grays’ caretaker boss and owner Andy Swallow has not ruled out appointing Bentley.

The 36-year-old came off the bench in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Grays’ rivals East Thurrock United, and is widely respected at the club since arriving at the start of the season.

And Swallow says he is looking to replace Jody Brown, who joined Conference Premier outfit Welling United before Christmas, in the next couple of weeks.

“Mark Bentley is a very knowledgeable person to have alongside you,” said the Grays caretaker manager. “He knows what this team needs and he has the respect of the dressing room.

“We are aiming to have someone in place by the second or third week of January.”

At the start of October, Bentley told EchoSport that he would be open to a managerial role, as he aims to extend his playing career after spells at Gillingham, Cambridge United, Hayes & Yeading and Wealdstone since he left Roots Hall.

“I’ve done my level three coaching badge and would love to do my A licence soon as well,” said Bentley.

“If a player coach role came up at a non league club in the future I would certainly be interested in that and I’m keen to remain involved in football any way I can.”

Bentley already combines his playing duties with coaching responsibilities, working with Leyton Orient’s under-15 side.

He also coaches more than 100 youngsters at the Conel College, in Enfield, as he bids to step up his bid to become a manager.