MARK Bentley has revealed he has had to change his personality in recent months as he celebrates a year in charge of Grays Athletic.

Bentley took over in January and has an impressive record in charge of the Blues, winning 31 of his 61 games at the helm including a stunning run at the end of last season, in which he lost just five of his first 24 matches.

However, having topped the Ryman Premier League in mid-September, the team’s form has dipped in recent months, with just one win in their last nine matches.

But, following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with East Thurrock United, Bentley said the difficult run has made him a better manager, as he gears up for a strong second-half to the campaign.

“I have learned a lot about myself in the last year,” said Bentley, who is still registered as a player. “It was great at the start when we were winning all our matches but the fact it has got tougher has been good for me.

“I needed to be harsh at times and my personality has changed with it. I have had to be cruel to be kind.

“We want to keep this group together as they have formed a tight bond. We work hard and we are all working towards a strong second-half on the season.”

Grays’ next four matches are against sides below them in the table and offer a chance to get back in the play-off hunt.

Just seven points separated 12th-placed Grays and fifth-placed Leiston when the Gazette went to press and Bentley said he was pleased with his team’s display against East Thurrock.

“I am delighted with the boys,” said the former Southend United midfielder.

“They couldn’t have given it anymore and we ticked all the boxes but just couldn’t get the ball in the net. I thought we were going to score a few times but all the shots seemed to be straight at the goalkeeper.

“The second-half performance was the best I have seen us play on this pitch. We played Correy Davidson up front and he was excellent for us. He had made some bad decisions last season when he left the club but he is back now and playing well.

“The plan was to see where we were come the start of the new year and go from there.

“We are not a million miles from the top, although we are not as high as we would like to be.

“We need to drag other teams back in and if we could now go on a run similar to last year that would be great.”