Dudley boss exits as Hednesford Town confirm deals and departures

Matty Lovatt is set to step down as manager of Dudley Town after seven years at the club.

The club announced yesterday (May 16) that it had “reluctantly” accepted Lovatt’s resignation. He will leave the Robins after the JW Hunt Cup final on Tuesday, May 26, when they will look to retain the trophy.

Lovatt departs following a successful spell in charge, during which the club secured promotion to the Midland Premier - step five of the non-league pyramid - by winning Midland One in 2022/23.

He also oversaw another impressive campaign this season, with Dudley again challenging for the play-offs. Ultimately, however, a three-point deduction meant they missed out on the top five by just one point.

The club has urged supporters to give their outgoing manager a fitting send-off as they aim for back-to-back cup successes at Molineux.

A club statement read: “Dudley Town can confirm that we have reluctantly accepted the resignation of first team manager Matty Lovatt.

“Over the last seven years, the club has enjoyed an upward trajectory both on and off the pitch, and we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Matty for his hard work, commitment and endeavour in helping bring success to the club.

“Matty and his management team will remain in charge for the JW Hunt Cup final on Tuesday, May 26. We would encourage all supporters to make the evening a special occasion and opportunity to give Matty and his team the farewell they deserve.

“The club will now begin the process of finding a suitable replacement to continue moving Dudley Town forward.”

Although their league season finished several weeks ago, Dudley have remained in training ahead of the JW Hunt Cup final against AFC Wolverhampton City. The Robins lifted the trophy last season following a superb victory over Cradley Town.

Elsewhere, Hednesford Town, who secured promotion to the National League North, have confirmed that Omari Sterling-James and George Williams have agreed to remain at the club.

That follows new deals for Montel Gibson, Ahkeem Rose, Joel Taylor and Xander Parke. The Pitmen will move to a full-time model next season following promotion to English football’s sixth tier.

As a result, Joe Doyle-Charles, Ollie Harrison and Ryan Wynter have departed the club.

Director of football Andrew Reed said: “All three have played a huge part in what this club has achieved.

“Doyley and Ollie were part of back-to-back promotions, while Wynts, as a local lad, came in and made a big impact on and off the field this season.

“As we move towards a full-time First Team model, this represents a fundamental shift for the club and with that come some difficult decisions.

“All three have commitments away from football which mean they are not in a position to meet the full-time requirements.

“They leave with our thanks and respect, and I personally wish them all the very best for the future.”