FORMER Southend United midfielder Mark Bentley is relishing his role at Grays Athletic’s new caretaker manager.

The 36-year-old is currently in charge of the Ryman Premier League club on a temporary basis after previous boss Jody Brown left to join Welling United.

And Bentley is keen to make the most of the opportunity.

“I’m just going to make sure I enjoy it and I want the players to do the same,” said Bentley, who made 107 appearances while with the Shrimpers.

“The chairman has asked me to take the next couple of games and we will see how it goes.

“Like he said to me it could well be that in a fortnight’s time I hate it but I’m very confident that won’t happen.

“And I’m really looking forward to the games we have coming up.

“Whatever happens it’s a great opportunity for me because this is definitely something I want to go in.”

Bentley currently combines playing for Grays with coaching Leyton Orient’s under 15 side.

But news of his appointment as caretaker manager came as something of a surprise for the midfielder who only found he had got the job after receiving several text messages from his friends.

“I didn’t know anything it all until I started to get messages through on my phone congratulating me on the job,” said Bentley.

“I was actually out of the country because back in the summer I arranged to go away for New Year so I hadn’t been in touch with anyone.

“However, once I got the text messages I went on to the Grays’ forum where I read I had agreed to take the job!

“But that was fine by me and I just hope the games don’t get called off because of the weather.”

Grays are currently 15th in the Ryman Premier League standings and travel to mid-table Peacehaven & Telscombe this weekend.

But Bentley is not sure how many other games he will be in charge for.

“The chairman said to me he’s in no rush but I think the club find out in the next couple of weeks whether or not their new stadium gets the go ahead or not,” said Bentley.

“If it does then I think they will maybe look to appoint a bigger name.

“However, I’m not really thinking about any of that at this stage and I’m purely focused on the next match we have coming up.”

But taking charge will not worry Bentley.

“Maybe five or six years ago it might have fazed me but it won’t now,” said Bentley.

“The work I’ve done at Leyton Orient will help me and I certainly won’t be asking for miracles from the players.

“I want them to give their all and enjoy their football, just like I did when I was in my prime as a footballer.”