Express & Star

Hednesford owner "proud" of reputation club is building and speaks out after appointment of Gavin Hurren

Hednesford Town owner Craig Gwilt has addressed supporters and said he is “proud” of the reputation they are building as Gavin Hurren prepares for his first game in charge.

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The new Pitmen owner, alongside his wife Amanda, has overseen several managerial changes since taking over the club in February. First, Harry Harris departed, making way for Paul Moore, before Steve King was appointed this season.

However, King too was axed just days before Hednesford’s FA Cup first-round tie with Gainsborough Trinity earlier this month, and has now been replaced by Hurren, who quit his managerial role at Stratford Town last Sunday.

Gavin Hurren has been appointed manager of Hednesford Town. Picture: Hednesford Town Football Club
Gavin Hurren has been appointed manager of Hednesford Town. Picture: Hednesford Town Football Club

Following the appointment, and ahead of the Pitmen visiting Trafford tomorrow in the Northern One West - sitting five points adrift from the play-off places - Gwilt took to social media to address the club’s supporters.

He said: "Selecting a manager is one of the most significant and challenging responsibilities I face. It’s not simply about finding someone with the right tactical knowledge or experience, it’s about entrusting the identity and future of our club to someone who shares our values and understands the responsibility of leading this great team.

"Every decision is made with the club’s best interests at heart, with careful consideration of the impact on our players, our staff, and most importantly, on you - our supporters. 

"The overwhelming interest we received for the position is a testament to the respect and potential of Hednesford Town. It shows that this is a club people want to be part of, and I’m proud of the reputation we are building.

"I’m happy this process is now complete. Gavin and Lee represent the perfect blend of local knowledge, emerging talent, and proven ability to succeed at this club. Their shared vision for the future of Hednesford Town FC aligns perfectly with our goals, and their appointments mark a bold step forward in our journey.

"Together, we are committed to making Keys Park a home from home, building a high-performing team that will achieve not only success on the pitch but make you, the supporters, proud. 

Hednesford Town owners Craig and Amanda Gwilt. Picture: Hednesford Town FC.
Hednesford Town owners Craig and Amanda Gwilt. Picture: Hednesford Town FC.

"With your ongoing support, we aim to become the best version of ourselves we can be and write the next proud chapter in Hednesford Town’s story."

The Hednesford owner went on to say the club is still in the "early stages of a long-term project" as they lay the foundations for “sustained growth and success".

Elsewhere, Stafford Rangers travel to Runcorn Linnets and Chasetown host Stalybridge Celtic. In Northern One Midlands, Darlaston Town visit Quorn, Lye Town go to Coventry Sphinx, and Sporting Khalsa travel to Corby Town.