Hednesford Town unveil former Eastleigh boss Kelvin Davis as new manager

Hednesford Town have moved quickly to replace Gavin Hurren, appointing former Eastleigh boss Kelvin Davis as first-team manager, with Danny Butterfield joining as his assistant.

The duo take over at Keys Park until the end of the season, aiming to guide the Pitmen through the crucial run-in at the top of the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

They were at Keys Park on Tuesday night to watch Hednesford play out a 1-1 draw with title rivals Hebburn Town.

Davis enjoyed a long career as a goalkeeper in the Premier League and EFL with clubs including Southampton, Sunderland, Wimbledon and Ipswich Town.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed Non-League news you need, subscribe to The Non-League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

WATCH THE NON-LEAGUE GOALMOUTH HERE

Positive journey

The move follows the dismissal of Hurren and assistant Lee Vaughan, even with the Pitmen sitting joint-top of the table.

A recent dip in form and performances that did not match the club’s ambitions prompted owner Craig Gwilt to make the change, citing the long-term progression of the club as the key factor.

Speaking on his appointment, Davis told the club: “I was fortunate to come up and watch a game a few months ago. I saw the stadium and the environment in its early stages of development.

“In the Non-League scene, what has been going on here is really positive. It is a club which has been spoken about on a positive journey and has been moving in the right direction.

“There has been magnificent investment by Craig and Amanda (Gwilt).”

Opportunity

He continued: “It is an opportunity for me to manage and coach, something I am passionate about doing, at a level that I think is right for me.

“The club is moving in a direction which I think I can support with my knowledge and Danny’s. We can support the club at a time where they need to make the next step.

“It is a timing thing. You look for opportunities out there, there are ones I would put my hand up for and wouldn’t.

“This was certainly one; when it came around, I jumped on it.”

Excited

Davis will oversee his first match in charge on Saturday as the Pitmen travel to face struggling Hyde United.

Director of football Andrew Reed added: “Kelvin and Danny come from fantastic pedigree and know exactly what it takes to operate at the highest level.

“Kelvin himself learning off a number of highly rated managers and being a pro license coach, we believe will bring us the direction we need to take us over the line.

“They both understand what’s needed to drive standards every single day. We’re delighted to welcome them to Keys Park and excited for what we can achieve for the rest of the season.”

READ MORE: Hednesford Town sack Gavin Hurren despite sitting joint-top of NPL Premier Division