GRAYS Athletic chairman Mick Woodward has been forced into a public apology after the fiasco over the appointment of Garry Hill as the club's director of football.

Grays announced the appointment of Hill on Tuesday morning, but within hours announced that Hill, who left Weymouth earlier this month after chairman Martyn Harrison wielded the cash-cutting axe, had changed his mind as he did not wish to jeopardise the possibility of an appointment as a manager with another club.

However, Grays have now apologised and confirmed that it was the club's decision to withdraw the offer and not Hill's. The apology was also extended to Hill's long time assistant Kevin Hales, who was never mentioned in initial publicity about the appointment.

A club statement said: "Grays chairman, Mick Woodward, wishes to apologise to Gary Hill and his assistant Kevin Hales for the incorrect statement that Grays issued concerning the recent discussions for the vacant appointment of Director Of Football at the club.

Woodward added: "I can confirm the change of mind to appoint Garry and Kevin was that of the club, not Garry, as wrongly stated in the statement last Tuesday. Gary agreed to accept the offer I made to him, however upon reflection I decided not to proceed. I wish Garry all success in the future."