Hollyhead appointed as Kettering manager

Simon Hollyhead was an assistant manager with Swedish club Malmo from 2010 to 2014

Kettering Town have appointed former Banbury United boss Simon Hollyhead as their new manager.

The 53-year-old, who was put on gardening leave by Banbury last week following an approach by the Poppies, replaces Richard Lavery at Latimer Park.

Hollyhead has previously been assistant manager at Scandinavian clubs Malmo, SK Brann and Odense and filled the same role at Stevenage.

And he will have the task of leading Kettering to promotion after they missed out on a place in National League North for next season when they lost to AFC Telford in the Southern League Premier Central play-off final.

That result cost Lavery his job, despite leading them to the second round of the FA Cup earlier in the season, a run which included a win over county rivals Northampton Town, from League One.

Former Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger, who scored the winner against the Cobblers, has also left the club.

"When a club like Kettering enquires, it's very hard to refuse a discussion considering the tradition that has been fostered over 153 years," Hollyhead, who worked as a fitness coach at Warwickshire County Cricket Club for 10 years before moving into football, said.

"I am really excited by the opportunity and looking forward to meeting everyone at the club in due course."

Poppies owner George Akhtar has set a target of guiding the club into the English Football League for the first time, which would mean three promotions from their current place in the third tier of non-league football.

"After speaking to Simon, I was very enthused by his passion and his commitment to detail," Akhtar said.

"I believe his vision for the club is aligned with ours and we are extremely excited about the next chapter of this magical club."

Banbury, who took four points from their two league games against Kettering last season, have appointed Kelvin Langmead as their new manager.