GRAYS Athletic manager Jamie Stuart says he feels 'positive about the club's future' after they were relegated from the Ryman Premier League.

Blues were beaten 1-0 at Wingate & Finchley to confirm their drop back into the Ryman North, four years after their promotion.

But Stuart is far from negative about what is to come, and has already signed a former Grays player for next season.

"We have found it hard to compete this year," he admitted. "We have one of the lowest budgets in the league but it is what it is.

"It is about the club this year and the club must always come first - we have been taken over by the fans this year and the club is more stable than ever.

"We have been relegated and people will be down of course but I feel positive. It is a learning curve.

"I have already made one signing who is a former Grays player so it is exciting.

"It is not about winning now. It is about improving and taking it all on board.

"We lost against Wingate but I was happy with what I saw."

Grays played a friendly against Hullbridge Sports on Tuesday, as Stuart prepares for next season.

"I want a few in and am looking at players so it's an opportunity for the youngsters," he added.