TILBURY manager Gary Henty says he has thoroughly enjoyed his foray into management, having led his new side to eight wins in 12 matches.

The Dockers have climbed to mid-table after their impressive recent form, with the bedrock of their success a strong defensive unit with seven clean sheets in 10 games.

And Henty, who has played more than 100 games for the club and took over from long-term manager Paul Vaughan (now Director of Football) in October, says he is delighted at how smooth the transition has been. “I was playing for the team and when Paul moved upstairs he asked me to step in,” said Henty, 34. “We had lost 4-0 against Thurrock and the next morning Paul offered me the job!

“It did come as a big surprise when he asked me to take up the role but I have really enjoyed it. I rejoined the club from Redbridge in the summer and Paul asked me to be a player/ coach then.

“Being a player and a coach is a hard balancing act so I felt it was right to concentrate on moving Tilbury up the table in one capacity – as manager.”

Tilbury won their seventh match in nine games against Maldon & Tiptree on Saturday, having been comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Dereham Town only days earlier.

Goals from Emiel Aiken and Neil Richmond saw the Dockers come from behind to win 2-1 and Henty said only one side was going to win it in the second half.

Thurrock Gazette:

Tilbury's Tony Martin gets a shot away against Maldon & Tiptree

“We were great,” he said. “We were well beaten by Dereham although that was quite an even game and to come back at the weekend shows the grit we have about us at the moment.

“I didn’t even have a goalkeeper when I took over. Gidds (Jack Giddens) has been great since he came in and the rest of the team has played a big part as well. Sometimes you need a bit of luck and, touch wood, we have had that in recent weeks.

“The players have worked so hard and turned their season around, while supporting me at the same time.”

Henty says releasing captain Sam West earlier in the season was the hardest decision he has ever had to make, but says the decision has been vindicated by the form of the team since.

“The team has been great at the back. The team spirit has never been better and we are all looking up the table. We take one game at a time but the team is confident and long may that continue.”

Thurrock Gazette:

Ryan Flack on the ball for Tilbury