A whirlwind 10 hours for Frank Sinclair

He took a first phonecall from the chairman at 9am – and 10 hours later he was overseeing his first training session as manager of Hednesford Town.

That's what you call a whirlwind appointment for former Premier League and international defender Frank Sinclair.

The ex-Chelsea and Leicester City man was installed at Keys Park just hours after Bernard McNally was sacked, with club legend Chris Brindley also leaving the club.

Sinclair won the FA Cup and the League Cup during a playing career that included more than 10 years in the Premier League and a trip to the World Cup with Jamaica.

But he has also accrued plenty of non-league experience with Wrexham, Hendon, Colwyn Bay and Brackley Town, the latter two as both player and manager.

It's experience he'll need, with the Pitmen struggling in 18th in National League North.

Sinclair told the Express & Star said: "I've got experience of this league, I know the teams and I know what it's all about.

"Survival and consolidation is the aim this season and then hopefully push on next season. The chairman has made it very clear how important it is to stay in the league.

"The last time they went down a level it took them six years to get back. So it's a crucial season and we'll do our best to push up the table as quickly as possible."

Sinclair, 44, had still been playing this year but doesn't plan on dusting off his boots again. He hopes to bring the fans back to Keys Park.

He said: "The first thing to address is the form – I need to find out if it's a mental thing or something more direct.

"The organisation of the team and picking the right side is something I have to figure out very quickly. In previous years the club has been followed excellently.

"It's been difficult this year but I'm a big believer if you get the right type of football the fans will back you."