HEDNESFORD Town have sacked manager Gavin Hurren – despite the Pitmen being joint top of the Northern Premier League.
Owner and chairman Craig Gwilt issued a statement today (Monday) saying results over the past three months have not matched up to the level of investment in the club.
But he added that the Hurren and assistant Lee Vaughan can leave with ‘heads held high’ after waking a ‘sleeping giant’.
The statement adds that a replacement will be named in ‘due course’.
Hurren and Vaughan arrived at Keys Park in 15 months ago and guided Hednesford to promotion from the Northern Premier League West.
This season, the Pitmen have won 15 league games and sit in second place in the NPL, on the same points as leaders Hebburn Town.
Gwilt said: “This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make since taking ownership of this club.
“Gavin and Lee are not just colleagues; I consider them both good friends.
“I will never forget the memories we created last season. That 21-game unbeaten run and the subsequent promotion gave me my first true taste of success in football, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.
“They took a sleeping giant and truly woke it up.
“However, my responsibility as Chairman is to the long-term future and progression of Hednesford Town.
“While we have sat high in the table for much of this season, our form and performances since November haven’t reflected the level of backing provided.
“To ensure we meet our ambitions for the remainder of the campaign, we feel a change in direction is now necessary.
“Gavin and Lee leave with their heads held high. They have written themselves into the history books here, and they will always be welcome back at Keys Park.”
The have drawn their last two league games and ironically they host Hebburn at Keys Park on Tuesday night.
The statement added: “Hednesford Town Football Club can today confirm that the club has parted company with First Team Manager Gavin Hurren and Assistant Manager Lee Vaughan with immediate effect.
“Gavin and Lee arrived at Keys Park in November 2024 during a challenging period for the club. Their impact was instantaneous and historic. Under their guidance, the “Pitmen” embarked on a remarkable 21-game unbeaten streak, transforming the club from mid-table outsiders into genuine title contenders.
“The 2024/25 season saw the club narrowly miss out on the Northern Premier League West title by just three points to Widnes, ultimately securing a historic promotion via the play-offs in front of a record-breaking crowd of 4,701 at Keys Park.
“The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Gavin and Lee for their commitment, professionalism, and the memories they helped create during their time at Keys Park.
“Further updates regarding the first-team management structure will be communicated in due course.”
