Morrell eager to build on Hednesford Town potential

Morrell took the reins at Keys Park earlier this month after becoming the first managerial appointment by the club’s new ownership duo, Graham Jones and Hayden Dando, writes Matt Maher.

The 45-year-old has no shortage of experience having previously taken charge of both Wrexham and Tamworth in the National League.

And he is eager to get cracking with Pitmen after being enthused by conversations with Jones and Dando over their future vision for the club.

He said: “From the moment I spoke to them I liked their enthusiasm and it was the chance to be involved in an exciting, long-term project, which really appealed to me.

“The club has a lot of potential if we get things right. The history it has got and the players who have come through here, there is a lot of pedigree.

“We want to try to reignite that in people and the area by building a team of local players who work hard for the cause. If we can get things moving then you never know how far you can go.

“Obviously, it is small steps. This is not going to be an overnight success. First and foremost we are going to make sure there is a bit of stability, but I am excited to see where we can take things.”

The appointment represents a return to management for Morrell more than two years after leaving Tamworth, having secured three straight top-10 finishes in National League North.

A striker who played for Wrexham, Coventry and Blackpool in a playing career which stretched for more than two decades, his first taste of management came with Wrexham, whom he took to Wembley for both the FA Trophy and Conference play-off final.

Though his return to football has come at a time of huge uncertainty for the entire sport, Morrell is determined to put in place as many plans as possible over the coming weeks.

Danny Glover, who completed the season in interim charge, will be kept on as his assistant. Morrell is also planning talks with a number of players in the coming weeks.

“It’s a matter of touching base with people over the next week or so,” he said. “The circumstances obviously mean it is going to be something of a slow burner. You can talk to players and get to learn a little about where their heads are, but it is difficult to make firm plans.

“At the moment we are working on the presumption next season will start as normal in August, but we also know that might not happen.

“Usually when you take over at a club it is all systems go, but I have the chance to step back and take stock.

“I’ve already had a lot of messages of support and a number of players have contacted me to register their interest, which is encouraging.”