Hednesford Town release statement with manager sacked despite sitting joint-top of 7th tier division

Hednesford Town release a statement with manager Gavin Hurren sacked despite sitting joint-top of the NPL Premier Division (7th tier).

Also departing, just a day before they face leaders Hebburn Town, is assistant Lee Vaughan with immediate effect, leaving the team second on goal difference, as they look back-to-back promotions.

The duo joined back in November 2024, and went on a 21-game unbeaten run, missing out of the title in the 2024/25 season, but did secure promotion via the playoffs with a record crowd.

We can today confirm that the club has parted company with First Team Manager Gavin Hurren and Assistant Manager Lee Vaughan with immediate effect.

Read the full statement here https://t.co/Wg7DcZdmYs pic.twitter.com/9coz2jBJO5

— Hednesford Town FC (@Hednesford_Town) February 9, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

Hednesford Town Football Club can today confirm that the club has parted company with First Team Manager Gavin Hurren and Assistant Manager Lee Vaughan with immediate effect.

A Historic Turnaround

Gavin and Lee arrived at Keys Park in November 2024 during a challenging period for the club. Their impact was instantaneous and historic. Under their guidance, the “Pitmen” embarked on a remarkable 21-game unbeaten streak, transforming the club from mid-table outsiders into genuine title contenders.

The 2024/25 season saw the club narrowly miss out on the Northern Premier League West title by just three points to Widnes, ultimately securing a historic promotion via the play-offs in front of a record-breaking crowd of 4,701 at Keys Park.

Statement from Chairman Craig Gwilt

“This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make since taking ownership of this club. Gavin and Lee are not just colleagues; I consider them both good friends.

“I will never forget the memories we created last season. That 21-game unbeaten run and the subsequent promotion gave me my first true taste of success in football, and for that, I will be eternally grateful. They took a sleeping giant and truly woke it up.

“However, my responsibility as Chairman is to the long-term future and progression of Hednesford Town. While we have sat high in the table for much of this season, our form and performances since November haven’t reflected the level of backing provided. To ensure we meet our ambitions for the remainder of the campaign, we feel a change in direction is now necessary.

“Gavin and Lee leave with their heads held high. They have written themselves into the history books here, and they will always be welcome back at Keys Park.”

Sincere thanks

The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Gavin and Lee for their commitment, professionalism, and the memories they helped create during their time at Keys Park.

Further updates regarding the first-team management structure will be communicated in due course.

Here’s how fans reacted after Hednesford Town release a statement with their manager sacked despite sitting joint-top of the 7th tier division…

@ShaunThomas_85: Non league football is mental.

@kiddyguest: Disgraceful. This is the trouble with clubs built around throwing money at everything. No patience or understanding of what non league is really about.

@ScottThoma88074: Ridiculous decision. Hednesford are joint top. I know they were expecting to walk it with the resources they’ve got but he did a good job there.

@VivaWM_1987: Sustainably run football club acting in a perfectly normal manner, as always. Will be tears within 3 seasons.

@KierenGuicey: Just come across this… You what?!? 2 years ago, they were technically relegated from Step 4 (only to be saved by a reprieve) and now in step 3 and 2nd and then there’s a sacking. Bit bonkers imo.

@Tunni90: Correct decision. Given the quality of signings and playes at the club, the football has been dross to watch #htfc

@jamesfletch__: Full statement says the “form and performances since November haven’t reflected the level of backing provided”… Form since November: won 9 drawn 5 lost 1. The club sit joint top of the league. #nonleague

@dash71_: ⚽️….looking on from the outside, this seems more than harsh considering where Hednesford Town were league wise before hiring Gav and Lee. The footy club have also turned off comments on their X account and Facebook. Hmmmm

@paulknight1976: Absolute madness, after what they’ve done there I would think they deserve more time. Sounds like the club are getting above themselves again and throwing money at it like they’ve done before only to see it fail miserably

@DewsFutbol: I get why people are questioning it, but, if you go to the games, you’d understand. Really struggle to break teams down, form is not at the level it was and we’re quite lucky to still be in a strong position. Hope whoever comes in can push us over the line 🤞

@ImJustDaveJ: Always a good sign when they lock the comments

@simmo_on_sport:
Gavin Hurren’s record in league games for Hednesford:
P55 W33 D14 L8 F90 A38 Pts113 (PPG: 2.05)
Lost once since start of November (P15 W9 D5 L1).
A big call by chairman Craig Gwilt.

Tensions boil over in the Hednesford boardroom as Hurren has to explain why they’re not twenty points clear pic.twitter.com/dlLpCa6vVQ https://t.co/AQaRh7Zx67

— You Yeltz! (@YouYeltz) February 9, 2026