PERSHORE Town have appointed Devin Ward as the club’s new manager to replace former boss Danny Janes.
Ward previously managed Dorchester Town at Step Three and led New Dales Vale to consecutive runner-up finishes at Step Seven with only ground grading limitations preventing promotion.
The club have also confirmed Ashley Banner as Ward’s assistant with Matthew Robinson appointed as a coach and analyst.
Pershore finished eighth in the Hellenic League Premier Division table last season.
Pershore chairman, Jason Neville said: “We have taken the last few weeks to identify a young, progressive, innovative and ambitious manager for the club and I am delighted to have found one.
“Our ambitions for the club remain unchanged from last season. We would like to see us progress as far up the pyramid as possible, however, I have always believed in there being a player pathway for our youth teams.
“I became chairman with a vision to see our youth teams thrive and progress and the search for a new manager had that in mind.
“The new manager Dev is an outstanding, calm and studious individual, he comes with a very successful background of bringing youth forward, he is also extremely ambitious, don’t be fooled, however, this man knows his non league football.
“His side’s played consistently at a Step Six standard, beating multiple teams from that level in cup competitions. The team deserve their chance at Step Five.
“Of course a pathway for youth has to be balanced with trusted and valued players, we have some very important and loyal players at the club, my hope is that many will be retained by the new management team and work with Dev and his team to deliver on the pitch.
“Change can be disruptive, however, without change you stagnate and go backwards. Pershore Town look forwards not backwards.
“I have absolutely no doubt that Dev and his team given the right support will thrive here at Pershore am very much looking forward to having his team at the helm and I am sure the ‘faithful’ will welcome Dev, Ash and Matt to the club – the work starts now.”
