Staveley Miners Welfare have confirmed that Darren Bland, who stepped down as Hallam boss last night, has joined them as first team manager with immediate effect.

Chairman Terry Damms said: "Since the departure of the previous
management team over a month ago, we have been busily considering all applications and also those candidates that the club identified as those who may possibly be suitable to work with our ethos and strategy as well as matching the club's ambitions of bringing higher level football to Inkersall Road.

"The fact that we had no less than six enquiries from NCEL Premier management teams and twenty-one applicants in total, indicated that the interest was high to join a forward-thinking progressive club such as ours.

"A few names were also cropping up not only in 'rumourville' but also in experienced circles as to who may be the man for the job and Darren's name was one that constantly got mentioned.

"Once we were able to contact Darren and eventually met with him, his ambitions were clear and we felt that he would fit in perfectly with our strategy and objectives.

"With the club's structure, training facilities and plans both on- and off-the-field, these dovetailed with Darren's own ambitions and we are delighted that he has accepted the offer."

Bland's first game in charge will be the trip to Appleby Frodingham in KoolSport NCEL Division on Saturday.