New Sutton United boss Matt Gray says he “can’t wait to get started” after being appointed the club’s new manager following Paul Doswell’s departure.

The 37-year-old, who was brought into the club as a head coach last December, played for Cardiff City and Tottenham Hotspur before being forced into retirement through injury at 25.

It comes as Doswell left the U’s towards the end of last month, following 11 years in charge, after having taken a break from his position.

Joined out of the door by assistant manager Iain Baird, he’ll be remembered for his achievements which included guiding Sutton United to an extraordinary FA Cup run in 2017.

Now Gray takes over with the club having ended its Vanarama National League campaign in 10th place and nine points off the playoff spots.

“I’m delighted to have been appointed as manager of Sutton United,” he said. “Since retiring as a player aged 25, I’ve known that I wanted to be a manager one day but was in no rush as I wanted to find the right club.

“I’ve had 12 years’ valuable experience as a coach and assistant manager at National League and League Two level, and also had two spells scouting for Millwall.

“That has stood me in good stead and given me a knowledge of clubs and players at our level, and I feel I am now ready to make the step up into management.”

Gray paid tribute to Doswell and Baird, who brought him into Sutton United, and hopes to be successful in his new role despite the “tough boots to fill”.

He added: “I’ve inherited fantastic staff and a good squad of players who, like me, are hungry to do well and succeed together.

“I’m also looking forward to building a relationship with the supporters. I’ve been very impressed with the level of support, both home and away, and hope that together we can enjoy continuing success.

“I’m a young, enthusiastic and ambitious manager and I can’t wait to get started.”