A familiar face to St Albans City will be in the opposite dugout when the new Vanarama National League South season kicks off in August.

Former joint-manager and player Jimmy Gray has joined the management team at rivals Wealdstone.

He has been drafted in to assist manager Gordon Bartlett, rejoining the club he left in 2010.

Gray said: “I’ve been away about six or seven years now, done my own thing and an opportunity has arisen. Gordon’s invited me in and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.

“I’ve known Gordon a long time now, I know how he works, obviously I’m coming back in a different capacity but I’m pretty honoured to be coming in to a club that’s really close to my heart.

“I had a great three, four years at Wealdstone and I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to get them to the promised land of the National League Premier.

“I’ll bring my experiences of what I’ve done over the past five years in management and hopefully I can add something to it.”

Bartlett said: “I’m delighted to have Jimmy on board. Everyone in the club knows he has the right character and has the winning mentality to help take us forward.

“He totally understands what Wealdstone is all about and with his all-round experience I’m confident he will have a big influence as we push to improve on last season.”

Gray was in charge at Clarence Park for three years before parting company in November 2015.

He spent last year as manager of Southern League Division One Central side Barton Rovers.