AFTER a turbulent couple of weeks Grays Athletic will be looking to get their season back on track at Exeter tomorrow (Saturday).

Coupled with chairman Mick Woodward's caustic criticism of a section of the club's fans, supporters have had little to cheer on the pitch where Blues slumped to another home defeat last Saturday.

However, Woodward has added what he hopes will be a closing chapter to the verbal exchange with critical supporters.

The Blues supremo sparked controversy when he went on the club's website with a frank warning that he would not tolerate some of the comments alleged to have been made about his running of the club.

But in his latest comment he says: "Following my statement at the beginning of this week I have had a meeting with some of those that were alleged to have said things about the way the club was run.

"I would like to say thank you to Steve, Shirley and Carol for your honesty and integrity, I hope we can now close this chapter and move forward with Grays Athletic."

Grays boss Justin Edinburgh has also had to deal with the running saga of Jamie Stuart's alleged assault on a York City player which is the subject of a police investigation and off-field disciplinary problems that have seen Ben Watson and Simon Downer transfer-listed.

The two players, along with the now departed Donny Barnard, showed a "complete lack of respect to their team mates" according to Edinburgh after they were caught enjoying food and drink in the club's bar during the second half of Grays' 2-0 defeat to York.

Edinburgh says the pair may yet get a second chance as he concentrates his mind on improving home results at home to Weymouth on Tuesday. First though he takes the Blues to Devon tomorrow.

Another boss with problems is Thurrock's Hakan Hayrettin. His side were humiliatingly dumped out of the FA Cup by Ware last week and he will hope they can get back to winning ways at home to Dorchester in the Blue Square South.

Thurrock said farewell this week to club president George Brooks whose funeral took place on Wednesday.

Mr Brooks died peacefully in the early hours of September 26 at Basildon Hospital, aged 76.

Although not a founder member of the club he had been with Fleet since its early days in the late 80s, becoming involved when his son Barry started to play for the club.

Fleet have a rearranged Setanta Cup trip to Cambridge in midweek.

A third manager with a frown on his face on Saturday was Aveley's Dave Spittle who saw his listless team crushed 6-1 at home by Canvey Island.

He will hope for a return of early season spirit for tomorrow's FA Trophy trip to near neighbours Ilford.

In the same competition Tilbury travel to Great Wakering, seeking revenge after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Rovers.

Both borough teams missed out on League Cup action in midweek because of FA Cup replays for their scheduled rivals.

Trophy results permitting Aveley will go to Dartford on Tuesday, while Dockers tie at Hornchurch has been arranged for October 23.

East Thurrock have had a better week than of late, drawing in the league at Hastings on Saturday and winning in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Manager Lee Patterson will hope his injury hit squad can lift themselves again for tomorrow's Ryman Premier derby at Billericay FIXTURES

Saturday, October 6, 3pm

Blue Square Premier

Exeter City v Grays Athletic

Blue Square South

Thurrock v Dorchester Town

Ryman Premier League

Billericay Town v East Thurrock United

FA Trophy Preliminary Round

Ilford v Aveley

Great Wakering Rovers v Tilbury

Tuesday, October 9, 7.45pm

Blue Square Premier

Grays Athletic v Weymouth

Ryman League Cup

Dartford v Aveley*

Setanta Cup

Cambridge City v Thurrock

*Subject to cup replays.