JAMIE Stuart is confident Grays Athletic can turn around their early season form and have a successful campaign.

Following relegation to the Isthmian North, Grays were fancied to be one of the frontrunners this term.

However, they find themselves third from bottom having taken just six points from nine matches (when the Gazette went to press).

Grays lost all five league fixtures in September, but manager Stuart is confident a more positive month lies ahead - beginning with the visit of Norwich United on Non-League Day this Saturday.

“Obviously, we are not where we want to be at the moment,” he said. “I didn’t expect us to be here but it is easy to panic and be negative.

“I have looked at performances and results and know what needs to be done. A few weeks ago we played Bowers & Pitsea and beat them 2-0 - we were very good that day. Following that we were beaten by Hertford – who were awarded a penalty which should never have been, which the referee spoke to me about after the game.

“We were beaten 6-3 by Canvey Island last week and we were poor that day. It was a freak result and it happens to many teams.

“And, although we lost 1-0 to Brentwood, we were much better in the second-half, having been poor before that.

“So we are not a million miles away. I don’t want to look at injuries but we have been missing the likes of (Joao) Carlos, (Barry) Cogan and Suley (Zuhdu) but I expect to have a fully fit squad for Saturday.

“We have a small squad but we are working hard and this is a committed group,” he added. “The atmosphere is still good and that is positive, as we are struggling in terms of results.

“I have been in the game a long time. I remember playing for Rushden & Diamonds and being second from bottom of the Conference Premier after 12 games. We went on a run after that and made the play-offs, before losing to Oxford.

“And I have been involved in teams that start well and fade towards the end so a lot can happen between now and the end of the season.

“When it goes against you, everything seems to but I back this group.”

A goal from Andrew Freeman was enough for Brentwood on Saturday, with the same man denied from the penalty spot by Blues stopper Lamar Johnson.

Opponents this month include Bowers, Dereham Town, Potters Bar Town and Haringey Borough, all of whom currently occupy top eight spots.

However, this does not daunt Stuart, who says he is in constant contact with his squad to make sure they are in the right frame of mind.

“We have a busy period but I have players returning,” said the Grays chief. “I am glad we have a lot of games as you have the chance to gain momentum.

“I want them to graft and give me everything. I can’t have anyone holding back. I have chats with them after games and I want them to be confident. The boys are still happy and I know guys want to come back here as well, having left.

“The tide will turn.”

Grays play Norwich United in the FA Trophy Preliminary Round on Saturday, a cup Stuart has lifted in the past.

As part of Non-League Day, the Essex Comets and teams from Deneholm Primary School and Stifford Clays Primary will take part in a penalty shoot-out at half-time at Parkside.

The club will also be showing it’s support for charity Prostate Cancer UK.