Ex-Southampton goalkeeper named Hednesford Town boss

Davis replaces Gavin Hurren, who parted ways with the club earlier this week, and will be joined in the Keys Park dugout by Danny Butterfield.

An experienced goalkeeper with just short of 700 career appearances, 301 of which came for Southampton, Davis spent time coaching at the Saints and Lincoln City following his retirement.

He went on to take charge of National League side Eastleigh in February 2024, where he was also assisted by Butterfield, and led the club to a 13th-place finish in his only full season at the helm.

But after a difficult start to the current campaign, the pair were sacked by the Spitfires back in September.

Hednesford say the appointment of Davis will provide the club with "leadership, elite standards, and a calm authority that will be invaluable in the run-in".

"In the non-league scene, what's been going on here has been really positive, and it's a club that is moving in the right direction," he said.

"It's an opportunity for me to come and manage and coach - something I'm passionate about doing - at a level that's right for me.

"With my knowledge and Danny Butterfield's knowledge, we can support the club at a time when I think they need to make the next step.

"It's a timing thing. Obviously, there are opportunities out there, and there are some that I'd put my hand up for and others I wouldn't. This is certainly an opportunity where, when it came around, I jumped at it."

The pair arrived at Keys Park on Tuesday to meet players and staff.

They will officially take charge of the Pitmen for the first time away at Hyde United on Saturday.

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

"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 are excited for what we can achieve for the rest of the season.”