Hednesford Town Dismiss Manager Ahead of FA Cup Match

Hednesford Town has announced the termination of manager Steve King’s contract, coming just one day ahead of their scheduled first-round FA Cup fixture. King’s prior managerial positions encompassed clubs such as Lewes, Whitehawk, Welling United, Gloucester City, and Havant & Waterlooville. According to a statement released by the club, the decision stemmed from a “breakdown in the relationship” between King and the club’s board of directors. An interim management group, comprising Martin Hunter, Junior Lewis, and Andy Turner, is set to oversee Saturday’s home match against Gainsborough Trinity. The statement further declared, “The club’s priority is to uphold its principles of integrity and professionalism in all matters.” It added, “Further updates will follow as the club progresses with its plans.” King had been appointed to the role in May, following a brief tenure at Havant & Waterlooville. His most notable period of success occurred with Lewes, where he led the team through multiple promotions, advancing from Isthmian League Division One South all the way to the National League. King’s last match at the helm of Hednesford was a 2-1 home loss against Athertone Collieries last Saturday, a result that positioned the club 16th in the Northern Premier League Division One West. The club, known as ‘The Pitmen’, achieved national recognition for their FA Cup journey in 1997, reaching the fourth round before being defeated by Premier League team Middlesbrough.