Ex-Oldham and Halifax boss Darren Kelly drafted in by Hyde United

FORMER Oldham Athletic and FC Halifax Town boss Darren Kelly has been tasked with keeping Hyde United in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier.

The Northern Irishman was appointed on Thursday evening just hours after Gary Lowe had departed the struggling Tigers.

Lowe, who led the club to the Conference North title in 2011-12 before resigning, returned last January but couldn’t save Hyde from relegation to the Evo-Stik NPL Premier.

The Tigers could be set for a third successive demotion having lost four of their last six games. They currently sit one place and three points above the relegation zone.

Replacing him for the last six games of the season is Kelly, who started the season as boss of League One side Oldham before being dismissed after just nine games.

His spell in charge of the Shaymen was just as miserable as he was sacked 47 days and ten games into his tenure after losing 6-3 to Braintree.

A Hyde statement read: “Following recent results the board have met with Gary Lowe today (Thursday) and the decision has been taken to make a change for the remaining games of the season in the hope that this will bring about a positive change in results with the support of senior players and new manager.

“Hyde United are pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Kelly as manager for the remaining six games of the season. Martyn Booty will be joined by academy director Gareth Predergast to add to his coaching staff.

“We hope the change will allow Hyde to secure the points needed over the remaining six games to stay in the Evo-Stik Premier.”