Hednesford Town appoint ex Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis as new manager

The club announced his arrival, alongside assistant Danny Butterfield, as a "major appointment."

The duo were in attendance for Hednesford’s 1-1 draw with Northern Premier League title rivals Hebburn Town at Keys Park on Tuesday night, where they met players and staff.

In December 2018, Davis took temporary charge of Southampton following the dismissal of manager Mark Hughes. He has also managed National League side Eastleigh.

He will take charge of his first game on Saturday when the Pitmen visit strugglers Hyde United.

Davis said: "I was fortunate to come up and watch a game a few months ago. I saw the stadium and the environment in its early stages of development.

"In the non-league scene, what has been going on here is really positive. It is a club which has been spoken about on a positive journey and has been moving in the right direction. There has been magnificent investment by Craig and Amanda (Gwilt).

"It is an opportunity for me to manage and coach, something I am passionate about doing, at a level that I think is right for me.

"The club is moving in a direction which I think I can support with, with my knowledge and Danny's we can support the club at a time where they need to make the next step.

"It is a timing thing. You look for opportunities out there, there are ones I would put my hand up for and wouldn't. This was certainly one, when it came around, I jumped on it."

During an illustrious playing career across the EFL and the Premier League, Davis represented Luton Town, Wimbledon, Ipswich Town, Sunderland and Southampton.

He made more than 600 career appearances, with over 270 coming during a decade at Southampton between 2006 and 2016.

Assistant Danny Butterfield made more than 200 appearances for Crystal Palace between 2002 and 2010 and also played for Southampton from 2010 to 2013.

Hednesford Town director of football Andrew Reed said: "Kelvin and Danny come from fantastic pedigree and know exactly what it takes to operate at the highest level. 

"Kelvin himself learning off a number of highly rated managers and being a pro license coach we believe will bring us the direction we need to take us over the line. 

"They both understand what’s needed to drive standards every single day. We’re delighted to welcome them to keys park and excited for what we can achieve for the rest of the season."

Davis steps into the vacant managerial position following the departure of Gavin Hurren. 

Hednesford parted ways with Hurren and assistant Lee Vaughan ahead of their crucial clash with table-toppers Hebburn Town, despite sitting level on points at the top of the table on goal difference and having lost just one of their last 10 league games.

Chairman Craig Gwilt described the decision as one of the "most difficult" he has had to make since taking over at the club, but said a change was necessary to meet their ambitions as they chase back-to-back promotions.