Stratford Town appoint Darren Byfield as new manager

STRATFORD Town have appointed former Aston Villa and Walsall striker Darren Byfield as their new manager.

The 41-year-old, who also played for the likes of Bristol City and Gillingham, previously managed Redditch United before he was sacked in December after just 19 months in charge.

Club director Andy Chilton said there had been a “high volume of top quality applicants,” but Byfield was Town’s preferred candidate to replace Carl Adams.

Prior to joining Redditch in his first managerial role, Byfield was player-coach with National League side Solihull Moors.

“I am delighted to join Stratford - it's a beautiful stadium and an excellent setup," he said.

"I’ve got a real hunger to get back into management. Watching a lot of non-league games over the last six months has been hugely beneficial for me and I aim to bring that knowledge into my role at Stratford.

"There is a great work ethic at this club which I am very excited to join and I am really looking forward to helping the players to be the best they can be through coaching them to realise their potential.

"My message to all Town supporters is you will have a very hungry team giving their all for the club in what we recognise will be a tough league, but we will be working hard in every game.

"I want to make it exciting and fun for the players and the fans and I can’t wait to get started.”