Richards leads shake-up

Former Shawbury United boss Dave Richards was confirmed on Wednesday morning as the new manager of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Market Drayton Town.

Richards succeeds previous Greenfields manager Jimmy Mullen, who left the club at the end of last season soon after securing their NPL status.

In a major reshuffle at the First Division South club, Martyn Davies, the club's long-serving centre forward and top scorer for the last four seasons, has been handed the assistant manager's role.

Bob Mellor was named as the club's new Chairman. Officials believe the retired local businessman and successful company director will bring invaluable experience to head up the Committee at MDTFC as they prepare for the new campaign.

Richards left Shawbury after two successful years at the West Midlands Regional League outfit, a reign that ended on a high when his Premier Division side lifted the Shropshire Challenge Cup in April.

Drayton’s director of football Andy Cooke confirmed the appointment after the news was broken by the Shropshire Star on Tuesday.

Cook said: "Dave has got enthusiasm in abundance. He knows what it is about and he has had some good lads play for him at Shawbury. He has also got some good contacts."

Richards said the chance to manage at NPL level was too good an opportunity to turn down and said: "I have mixed emotions leaving Shawbury but if I didn't take this chance, in a few years' time I would have probably regretted it. I am under no illusions how tough it is going to be following Jimmy Mullen but I am confident I can give it a good go."