Liam McDonald leaves Hednesford Town for Solihull Moors

The 31-year-old manager is taking backroom staff Nick Green and David Bridgwater with him following an approach from the Moors last week.

McDonald was installed as Pitmen boss in May this year, and he leaves Hednesford in fourth place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division, just three points off top spot.

But the former Redditch United manager felt he couldn't pass up the opportunity to move up two divisions.

"It's been the toughest decision I've had since being a football manager," said McDonald, after Saturday's 1-1 draw with rivals Stafford Rangers in the FA Trophy. "But I'm ambitious and want to manage at the highest level I can."

McDonald, whose emotions were visible at the final whistle of the Staffordshire derby, made a decision to leave the club on Saturday night.

"It has been an emotionally draining week for me following the approach from Solihull Moors," he told the club's website."Hednesford Town has been a great club to be at, even though it has only been for a short time.

"It was a really difficult decision for me to make due to the fact that I had started a project that I wanted to finish.

"I have built a squad here that is capable of competing at the top end of the table and the squad is now in place to go on and do just that.

"For me, in the end, the opportunity that has been presented is one that was too good to turn down."

"I know that Hednesford supporters will be disappointed with the decision, I just hope that they understand it," he added.

"Saturday's game was a deeply emotional one for me. I was really upset as I knew that it was potentially going to be my last game. "

Hednesford Town chairman Steve Price attempted to hold on to McDonald with a 'fantastic' new offer on Friday, but McDonald decided to leave for Solihull.

It was just an opportunity that was too good to turn down," he said. "I am leaving the club with a heavy heart and it is really hard to leave this group of players – especially in the position that we are in."

Hednesford Town say confirmation of the new management team at Keys Park will be made 'shortly'.

Chairman Steve Price said: "I would like to thank Liam, Nick and David for their efforts at Hednesford Town and wish them well in their new roles.

"We tried our hardest to keep Liam at the club by offering him a two-year contract following the approach from Solihull.

"Sadly though, in the end it was an opportunity that an ambitious young manager couldn't turn down. Something that all those involved with the football club have to understand and respect."