Basford United appoint new managerial trio

As part of a management reshuffle, the trio will work under the mentorship of new director of football Steve Chettle, who stepped back from his role as manager earlier this week.

The Lions currently sit 10th in the Pitching In Northern Premier League table, but have won just two of their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Clifford, most recently at Ilkeston Town, was in charge of the club’s Under 21s, before steering the first team to promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2017-18.

Hearn, 36, will act as Clifford’s assistant, and will also re-register as a player, having netted 47 times during United’s promotion-clinching season.

Meanwhile, Scott has undertaken a range of roles at the club since 2012, and will add valuable experience as the team look to mount a push for the play-offs, starting with this weekend’s trip to Scarborough Athletic.

Commenting on the news, Basford chairman Chris Munroe, who announced his own plans to step down from the club earlier this week, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Mark, Liam and Wayne to their roles.

“[They are] three high quality individuals who know our club, desire and culture. I think they will do a superb job, and have not ruled out getting into this season's Northern Premier League Premier division play-offs.

“It is truly an exciting time for the club and this final announcement really ends the week on a significant high - I wish them all the very best.”

Clifford added: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. We have an excellent group that needs to kick on if we have any aspirations in pushing towards the play-off spots.

“I felt it was important that we had a whole new management team to bring new ideas and energy to the group.

“I’m happy to be able to bring back Liam that - whilst being my assistant - will add additional experience to the front line, both on the training ground and in games.

“In Wayne we have an experienced former manager that knows the game well and has many contacts across the region.

“We all share the same vision and aspirations and I’m looking forward to working towards those.”