Statement to supporters from Mitch Hahn After a lot of thought, and discussion with the Chairman today, I have made the difficult decision to step away as manager of Grays Athletic. When I was offered the job, I couldn’t say no. I love this club, and the opportunity to manage Grays was something I couldn’t say no to. My ambition was to build a strong squad from the start, create a real togetherness within the group and have minimal changes throughout, allowing us to build something consistent and sustainable. Maybe I was a little naive in thinking that would be straightforward, but that was always the vision. This has been a really difficult decision because I have loved being involved. However, with the arrival of my newborn daughter and the demands of my work, I have had to be honest with myself about what I can realistically commit to and with the results going the way they have, I have had to have a real think about things. There is so much that goes into being a manager away from match days and training. The planning, preparation, watching games, analysing opponents, speaking to players, organising sessions and everything else behind the scenes takes a huge amount of time. I knew the role would be demanding, but balancing it all alongside work and family life has become increasingly difficult. Grays deserves someone who can give the role the time, energy and commitment it needs, and I don’t feel I can do that to the standard I would want to at this stage of my life. This decision isn’t down to a lack of love for the club, if anything, that’s what makes it so difficult. I want to thank the players for everything they have given me. I have a huge amount of respect for the group, and I have genuinely enjoyed working with them. Football is ultimately about people, relationships and what you build together, and I am grateful for the memories and friendships I will take away from this experience. A massive thank you also goes to my staff, Ash, Clarky, Mitch, Striz, Walks and Sim. They are a brilliant group of people who have put so much into this, often away from the spotlight. There is a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, and I have loved working alongside them. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people around me. A special mention to Ash, who leaves with me. I genuinely believe he deserves a career in football. He has so much to offer the game, and I really hope he gets the opportunity to show what he can do somewhere. I also want to thank the board for their support, particularly Lee, Gavin and Denise. And, of course, Paul Joynes, who has always believed in me. That belief and support means a great deal to me, and I will always be grateful for it. Finally, to the supporters, you really are the best fans around. No matter the results, how well or badly we have played, you have continued to turn up in numbers, get behind the team and support the club. That loyalty is something special, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. You deserve success, and I genuinely hope you get to enjoy some great times ahead. Thank you for sticking with us. Walking away is hard because I care so much about Grays. I came into the job wanting to build something special, and although things don’t always work out exactly as you imagine, I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to manage this club. This is the right decision for me and my family at this stage of my life, even though it is one I never wanted to have to make. I wish the club, the players, the staff, the board and every supporter nothing but success for the future. I’ll always want to see Grays do well, and I’ll continue to support everyone involved. Once a Blue, always a Blue.

CLUB STATEMENT | FIRST TEAM MANAGEMENT Grays Athletic Football Club can confirm that First Team Manager Mitch Hahn and Assistant Manager Ash Miller have departed the club. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Mitch and Ash for their efforts and commitment during their time at Grays Athletic and wishes them both the very best for the future. In the interim, Lewis Clark, Sam Walker, Nick Strizovic and Mitch Baldock will continue to manage first team affairs until a new manager is appointed. Grays Athletic Football Club will not be making any further comment at this time.