Gary Hayward, left
Hednesford Town have appointed Gary Hayward as first team manager.
Hayward, 52, was assistant to Nicky Eaden before his unexpected departure last month, and took charge of the Pitmen's final two games of the Northern Premier League season.
Eaden had only been in charge at Keys Park for four months, having been at Nuneaton Borough, but took Hednesford to mid-table security after fears of relegation from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier.
Hayward over saw two draws during his spell in charge at play-off hopefuls Gainsborough Trinity and away to Witton Albion.
A club statement said: “Gary was an integral part of the management team who, when appointed in time for the home game on New Years Day, inherited a team deep in relegation trouble.
“After significant restructuring the team went on to lose only one of their last 10 league games enabling the team not only to avoid relegation but to finish in a comfortable mid-table position and for the club to look forward to next season with some optimism.”
Hayward was previously number one at Eastwood Town and Worksop Town.
In March the club announced a new consortium to help take the club forward with owner Steve Price, aiming to create a sustainable future for the Northern Premier League side.
The group is made up of club officials, local businessmen and will also have supporter representation.
Price said: “After meeting with this group earlier in the week I was convinced that this was the best option in order to take the football club forward.
“The group are determined to make this a success and I'd like to ask all Hednesford Town supporters to give them their full backing.”
Eaden had only been in charge at Keys Park for four months, having been at Nuneaton Borough, but took Hednesford to mid-table security after fears of relegation from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier.
Hayward over saw two draws during his spell in charge at play-off hopefuls Gainsborough Trinity and away to Witton Albion.
A club statement said: “Gary was an integral part of the management team who, when appointed in time for the home game on New Years Day, inherited a team deep in relegation trouble.
“After significant restructuring the team went on to lose only one of their last 10 league games enabling the team not only to avoid relegation but to finish in a comfortable mid-table position and for the club to look forward to next season with some optimism.”
Hayward was previously number one at Eastwood Town and Worksop Town.
In March the club announced a new consortium to help take the club forward with owner Steve Price, aiming to create a sustainable future for the Northern Premier League side.
The group is made up of club officials, local businessmen and will also have supporter representation.
Price said: “After meeting with this group earlier in the week I was convinced that this was the best option in order to take the football club forward.
“The group are determined to make this a success and I'd like to ask all Hednesford Town supporters to give them their full backing.”
