New Cray Wanderers boss Tim O’Shea is delighted to have Mark Stimson alongside him in the dugout.

Former Gillingham manager Stimson has been appointed O’Shea’s assistant at Flamingo Park. His first home game was the 2-2 draw with promotion-chasing Dartford in Isthmian Premier on Easter Monday.

It’s a first role back in football for Stimson after a six-month ban from all football-related activity following an FA investigation.

Stimson struggled in his last two roles at Grays and Margate but there’s no doubting the quality of the 57-year-old, who built successful sides at Grays, first time around, and Hornchurch – and led the Gills to promotion in a Wembley play-off final in 2009.

“Mark phoned me when he saw the news about Neil Smith leaving and said he would be available,” said O’Shea, who was at Tottenham’s youth set-up alongside Stimson.

“He said he wouldn't do it for many at all. He’s come in as my assistant and we know one another from when we were 15 or 16 when we first met.

“His record speaks for itself. I know he had a couple of indifferent ones towards the end but he knows what a player needs to have in regards to trying to improve things.

“I know he missed out with Hornchurch on a couple of occasions, but he got there. So, his experience and his knowledge of the league and the levels is only going to help us.”

O’Shea also praised the contribution of goalkeeping coach Alfie George, who will remain part of his backroom staff.

“Alfie’s not just a goalkeeping coach,” said O’Shea. “He really puts a shift in, he does the analysis and the videos.

“He's done a great job with Shaun Rowley. I think Shaun’s had 17 or 18 clean sheets this season.

“That’s not just down to Shaun, that's down to Alfie as well. He does put the graft in with him.”

Cray finish their season at Lewes this Saturday, knowing victory will guarantee them a top-10 finish.