Gary Moran confirmed as Rugby Town’s new permanent boss

Pic: Rugby Town FC

GARY MORAN has been handed the Rugby Town reins on a permanent basis after a spell in caretaker charge of his former club.

The 34-year-old returned to Butlin Road two weeks ago following the departure of boss James Jepson after just seven league games in charge.

Moran made over 200 appearances for Rugby in two spells from 2002 to 2005 and 2010 to 2012, and has now been tasked with turning their season around.

The Valley currently sit bottom of the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South table with just four points from their opening seven games.

Moran oversaw defeats on the road to Lincoln United and Spalding United but showed the Rugby board enough to be given the job permanently.

He will be assisted at Butlin Road by Martin Sockett, who also returns having previously managed the club on two separate occasions.

Sockett, who arrives as head coach, teams up with Moran after leaving his role as manager of United Counties League side Leicester Nirvana.

It’s the second time in recent months that Nirvana have lost their boss to a higher level club having seen Damion Beckford-Quailey leave for Rugby’s league rivals Gresley in June.

A Nirvana management committee statement read: “After a short period at the club, Martin Sockett has been approached with a fantastic offer from Rugby Town to form part of their new management team.

“Given the club’s philosophy to always support and encourage both our management and players to play and participate at the highest level, we accept and support Martin’s move.

“This is another example of the excellent platform and strides the club has made over a short period of time, where we have seemed to be the first port of call for scores of higher level Non-League clubs searching for players and management.

“Our challenge yet again is to find and attract the right person to the club. With the talent we have and the off field developments we are confident this can be achieved.”