Simon Line has resigned as manager of Market Drayton Town and last night began training players at his new club, Zamaretto Premier outfit Hednesford Town.
And the move could see an exodous of Town players with Hendesford already having put a seven day notice in for central defender Grant Goodhead – before Line took the job.
At the time, he was persuaded by Line to stay, but his departure could change the situation.
And his centre half partner Paul McMullen is wanted by Stafford Rangers, who have also given Town official notice of an approach to him - but with yesterday’s developments he too could be following Line to his new club.
Line described the job as an opportunity he could not refuse.
He said: “They are a massive, massive, club in non-League terms with a huge fan base and ground set-up. I simply could not, and, in all honesty, did not, want to turn them down.
“Obviously I am sad at leaving Town - but that’s how football is. You do well and you get noticed - and the big thing is that I feel I’ve left Town on the up.
“It’s not as if I’m jumping ship - that are in good shape and I am sure they will go forward and have a good season.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of managing a bigger club but I’ll certainly not be forgetting what we’ve all achieved at Market Drayton Town.”
Line has presided over a period of unprecedented success at Drayton, taking them to Midland Alliance League and cup double last season and up to fourth in the UniBond Division One South this.
He takes over at Hednesdford from former Shrewsbury Town star Bernard McNally, who was appointed on a caretaker basis a month ago, on the departure of Dean Edwards.
“We are delighted that Simon has agreed to join us,” said Hendesford’s Shropshire-based general manager, Robin Eaves, yesterday.
“He is a manager we have kept tabs on over the years.
“He is obviously one of the non-League circuit’s up-and-coming managers and as I live in Shropshire myself, I am very aware of the success he has achieved at Market Drayton Town.
“He and Bernard were both on our short list but Simon’s track record impressed the board.
“He will be meeting the players and taking training this evening and be in charge for Saturday’s game against Merthyr Tydfil.”
Hednesford have an impressive history in non-League football but have been ousted from the FA Cup already this season, by lowly Pegasus Juniors, and occupy only 12th position in the Southern League’s premier section.
On the field Drayton drew 1-1 last Saturday with Bamber Bridge in the FA Trophy before Tuesday’s reply was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
This week the squad head to Rushall Olympic with a new manager unlikely to be in place.