PERSHORE Town have named former Leamington FC U23 head coach Lewis Marston as their new manager.

After Danny Janes managed his final game in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup Final last weekend, Marston will now take charge ahead of Pershore's first season back at Step 5 after last season's promotion. 

Marston, who is a current UEFA B License candidate, joins The Plums following two successful years with the Leamington FC U23’s where he guided them to back-to-back trophies, including a 21/22 campaign where Leamington only lost once to win the league by a distance.

Marston is also the Warwick University Tier 1 Head Coach and will continue that role alongside his job at Pershore.

"I’m looking forward to taking over the solid foundations that Danny has put in place here at Pershore Town, one thing that’s stood out for me was how the club interacts with the local community there’s a real buzz on and off the field and I can’t wait to build on that," said Marston. 

"It’s an exciting time to be at Pershore Town, and I can’t wait to be a part of that journey."

He certainly has big boots to fill at the AIM Community Stadium. Janes was hugely successful over the 18 months he spent with Pershore, guiding them to five trophies.

One of those was the 22/23 Hellenic League Division One title, which has earned them the right to play in Step 5 next season.

Pershore will join the likes of Worcester Raiders and Worcester City in the Hellenic Premier.

Janes had always said he believed this Pershore side were capable of competing for the title at Step 5 but in what was a shock announcement only a month or so ago, he decided to step away to pursue a Masters degree at university. 

It was a hammer blow to The Plums and there will now be some question marks as to who else might follow Janes out of the door. Marston has a big job on his hands in what will be his first time leading a first-team squad at this level.