Caretaking strikers handed posts permanently

Strikers Jon Froggatt and Mark Ward have won the race to replace former manager Peter Duffield at EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Belper Town.

The duo took over as caretakers in September after Duffield stood down at the Nailers after three years at the helm and have impressed with the attractive brand of football the club has been playing.

Officials at the Premier Division club announced the appointment of Froggatt, pictured, as manager and Ward as his assistant at lunchtime on Saturday as they traveled to Yorkshire to take on Frickley Athletic in the NPL's top flight.

Nailers chairman Alan Benfield said: "Although they’ve had a tough start to their management careers, the board has been pleased with the way they have got the team playing. We have seen some really attractive football but we have not really enjoyed the results that the performances have deserved.

"Jon and Mark have been working tirelessly to improve the strength of the squad and the arrival of Richard Adams, who has returned to the club from Goole, is testament to the hard work they are putting in."

He added: "We received a significant number of applications for the job, including a number from some highly experienced managers but the board felt that we needed a period of stability within the club at the present time and we also wanted to give Jon and Mark more time to make an impression.

"It may regarded as a bit of a gamble in some quarters but although Jon and Mark do not have significant managerial experience, we are confident that they do have the knowledge and connections within the game to put together a successful team."

* Former Nailers manager Peter Duffield took charge at Handsworth Parramore in the Northern Counties East League this weekend. The 45-year-old, who resigned from his post at Belper Town last month, replaced Russell Eagle at the NCEL Premier Division outfit.

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