Thurrock FC have appointed Hakan Ramis-Hayrettin as their new manager.

Enfield-born of Turkish-Cypriot parentage, Hayrettin, 36, began his playing career as a midfielder with Leyton Orient.

Also capable of playing in defence, he joined O's on YTS forms as an apprentice in 1986 and signed pro terms in July 1988.

He was released in May 1989, immediately joining Barnet.

In August 1991 he went to play in Turkey for the Karsisiyaka club but returned to Barnet under manager Barry Fry and featured in the Bees' Conference League title in May 1991 as well as their 1992-93 promotion campaign. During 1991 he had a spell in the Conference with Dagenham & Redbridge.

In January 1993 he was loaned by Barnet to Torquay United, making four League appearances.

He then joined Wycombe Wanderers under Manager Martin O'Neill and featured in their Conference League title and FA trophy double triumph.

The following season Wycombe retained the Trophy and won promotion to the Football Lague via the play-offs.

Though he stated the league season with Wycombe Hayrettin joined Cambridge United on a free transfer and played 18 senior matches, but they were relegated. In July 1995 he signed for Doncaster Rovers but was out for most of the season with injury.

He re-joined Fry at Peterborough United for a short spell and then spent time with both Hayes and Rushden.

An injury in 1997 put paid to his full time playing career. e then went into coaching and for two years was coach to the Watford Under 16 and Under 17 sides.

Due to business commitments he was unable to continue in full time football and became assistant manager/coach at Harrow Borough where he stayed for two years.

In March 2003 the then 33-year-old became manager of Leyton Pennant. He, was appointed by his brother Harry Ramis, chairman of the club.

The new season started with the club changing its name to Waltham Forest FC. Last season they finished eighth, three points off a play-off place.

His appointment will come as as something of a shock to Forest fans, who will watch their side in the new Ryman Division One North next season.

Two weeks ago, at the club's annual presentation evening Hayrettin said: "We are disappointed not to have won promotion this year.

"We have done really well to come as close as we have with what is probably the smallest budget in non-League.

"It's now time to switch our attention to next season and we'll be doing our utmost to keep this squad together.

"Now it's up to us to take this club from strength to strength."

Hayrettin has established a great reputation as someone who brings on young players. Last season Forest reached the final of the U18 Essex Cup, but perhaps their biggest achievement was to progress to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup, beating Football League teams Leyton Orient, Yeovil Town and West Bromwich Albion along the way.