Non-league preview: Kelvin Davis ready for Hednesford Town’s ‘exciting’ new era after remarkable rise

Kelvin Davis could barely hide his excitement as Hednesford Town prepare to enter a new era in the National League North.

The Pitmen travel to Merthyr Town tomorrow for their season opener, with the quest to secure a hat-trick of successive promotions getting under way.

Following a major summer rebuild, which has included several high-profile additions, Davis is relishing the challenge ahead. New recruit Jamie Cooke has already impressed, scoring five goals during a strong pre-season campaign

He said: “I’m really excited for the club. There’s a real buzz because we’re back in the National League, and a club with the history we have and the reputation of the club, it is great to have the name among those fixtures in the league.

“There’s some tough teams and tough tests along the way and some good experience in the league.

“My ambition is in line with the football club. We understand that it’s very personable, day-to-day. We have a good working relationship. We’re growing on a personal relationship as well, which obviously takes more time.

“We want to match what the club's ambition is. But there are no guarantees in football. We know that it's not easy.

“My attitude is to build a resilient group that all want the same thing and have an understanding of what we want from them game by game.”

Hednesford are back at step two of the non-league pyramid for the first time in more than 10 years.

The Pitmen are no strangers to this level, having spent six seasons in the Conference between 1995 and 2001 before a second spell in the Conference North from 2013 to 2016.

But the club endured difficult times in recent years, suffering relegation to step four in 2023 before a proposed takeover collapsed and a fan-led rescue helped secure their future.

Under new owners Craig and Amanda Gwilt, Hednesford have since enjoyed a remarkable rise back to the National League North.

Despite their ambitious summer recruitment, Davis is well aware of the challenge ahead and expects a fiercely competitive campaign.

He added: “I say it to the group many times, it doesn’t matter what league or what level you play at, it's very hard to win a game of football.

“There’s got to be some fundamentals and basics in there that we adhere to day-to-day.

“Over the course of the season, you hope that brings you long-term success. I’m really excited about everything.”

Elsewhere, Kidderminster Harriers begin life back in the National League with a trip to fellow promoted side Hornchurch.

Their opponents defeated Torquay United in the play-offs to reach the division for the first time in their history.

Harriers ended their pre-season preparations with a 5-0 victory over Stourbridge, with summer signing Levi Amantchi taking his tally for the summer to four goals.

Scott Adey-Linforth’s Glassboys welcome Stamford for their Southern Central Premier opener, looking to build on their improved second half of last season and move away from danger.

Local rivals Halesowen Town travel to Bury Town, while Rushall Olympic host Hitchin Town.