Matt Lovatt wants to get Robins flying after becoming new Dudley Town boss

Lovatt took charge this week after leaving Sikh Hunters, where he had impressed over three seasons.

The Robins have been on the hunt for a new first-team boss since Dean Whitehouse stepped up a division to join Midland League side Lye Town.

And West Midlands Premier Division outfit Dudley – who currently play at Sporting Khalsa’s Aspray Arena in Willenhall – wasted little time on selecting Lovatt as the man to lead them forward.

Lovatt holds a growing reputation in the local non-league circles after carrying out a fine job in lifting Sikh Hunters from West Midlands Division Two to the higher reaches of Division One.

He admits the lure of stepping up a level was irresistible. Lovatt said: “The challenge was the main thing that attracted me.

“We’ve had a great three years at Sikh Hunters and you always look up (the divisions) and think ‘could I do it?’ I’m quite ambitious and like to sink my teeth into a challenge.”

Hunters finished fourth in Division One last term and rounded off the campaign in style by beating champions Worcester Raiders in the League Cup final.

Town finished 10th in the West Midlands Premier last season under Whitehouse. Sikh Hunters, meanwhile, are hunting for a new manager after Lovatt’s departure.

Lovatt had guided the Long Lane outfit from the bottom of Division Two to pushing for Division One promotion.

The new Dudley boss says he will look at bringing a few Hunters players to Dudley but only after the right chats have happened as he wants to do things right by his former club.

Lovatt wants to bring joy back to Dudley Town and improve the club’s league position, as well as add a trophy.

“With the current crop of players here and backing from the club – which I have no doubt there will be – I am confident of bringing the great days back to this prestigious football club.

“The previous manager did fantastically well with the young squad to get a mid-table finish.

“They (the board) said they would like some silverware. It’s been a while since they’ve had a good cup run.

“It’s moving forward and improving our league standing which I believe is more than achievable and fair.

“Managing in the FA Cup is also something I’ve always looked to do. It’s something realistic and achievable and to look back on as a great memory.”

He added on former club Hunters: “I’m very grateful to Sikh Hunters who are a wonderful club and I’ve had some great moments there.”