Clean slate is reward for survival

The former Lancaster City, Nantwich Town, Newcastle Town and Kidsgrove Athletic manager, pictured, was rewarded with a new deal at the Nanpantan Sports Ground for the 2017-18 campaign on Tuesday after masterminding the club's survival.

Appointed after Christmas as the successor to Wayne Hallcro with Dynamo at the bottom of EVO-STIK NPL First Division South table, Ward guided the club to third from bottom and four points clear of the drop zone after teaming up with former Kidsgrove Athletic, Leek Town, Newcastle Town, Nantwich Town and Witton Albion striker Andy Kinsey as his playing number two.

Ward, who left rivals Kidsgrove Athletic after their poor start to the season before returning at Dynamo, was backed to pick up where he left off when the new season kicks off in a statement confirming he'd been reappointed after meeting with the club's directors.

Loughborough Dynamo director Darren Rodgers said: "Peter joined us just after Christmas with the task of keeping Dynamo in Division One South.

"Peter was always positive, and was right when he maintained that things would not be settled until the final day of the league season. Our fantastic run under Peter's leadership right at the end of the season ensured Dynamo's safety from relegation."

Rodgers added: "We are also pleased that first team coach Jay Groocock, who joined the club around the time Peter did and has been a major asset for the club, will also be returning."

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