Hednesford Town unveil new owners

Owner of Residential & Commercial Engineering, Graham Jones, and Hayden Dando who owns Lionheart Security Services, have joined forces to take over the Southern Central Premier side.

In February, Steve Price announced he was selling the club after 20 years of ownership – now, full control of The Pitmen will be handed over at the end of the season after a transition period.

In a joint statement, the new owners outlined their plans to revive the 'historic' club.

“Hednesford Town is a sleeping giant, and it’s time to wake it up," it read.

"We wish to embrace the historic past of the club, whilst bringing a modern and sustainable future.

"We would also like to thank Steve Price for all his assistance to this change of ownership.

"It was obvious from the outset that his primary objective was to ensure a future for the ownership which would enable a future for the club, and would leave the club in good hands.

“The balance to what goes on the pitch, to the behind the scenes is imperative to us, to create a long-term sustainable future for the club."

Jones and Dando are now planning to improve facilities at the club and have unveiled a proposal to create a 70,000 sq ft space with offices, a gym, restaurant and a convenience store.

The pair are planning to hold a public consultation on the plans before officially submitting them for planning permission.

On the pitch, Hednesford are currently 14th in the league and the new owners are intent on improving the fortunes of their 'talented' squad.

“Our first objective was clear, it was to galvanise the squad out on the pitch," they said.

"They are clearly a talented group, who were lacking confidence and low on morale, given all the changes that took place around Christmas time.

"We made our first request clear to the team, play as a Team.

"Win, lose or draw, we asked that they gave it their all.

"This was prior to the away game at Royston. Since then, we feel that this is exactly what they have done.

"Whilst the results haven’t gone our way over the last four games, their abilities and team spirit, is clear to see.

"We cannot applaud them enough for the heart they are showing, as ultimately whilst we can steer the boat, it’s down to the team to perform and row the boat.

"We feel that this is exactly what they have done over the last four games, and now it’s time for us all as fans and support to do the same.

"Let’s get behind them, as this will either prepare ourselves for the following season for a strong start, or with a good wind and other results going our way could lead to a promotion push.

“It’s time to change, having reviewed the club, it has felt that there are many factions to the club.

"This has been used previously to unsettle players morale, and many other elements of the club.

"We know we will not always be able to provide the perfect solution and answer to everyone’s desires, but we will listen, adapt and do what we can.

"We will not win every game, but we will be one. Act as one, play as one, as together we are stronger."

Club secretary Terry McMahon has also been announced as the club's new director of football, while future announcements will be made on appointments for a commercial director and two events managers.