MALVERN Town coach Neil Hunt has taken over the job as first team manager at Langland Stadium.

Early season first team manager Joe Rawle has stood down but becomes football development manager.

General manager Richard Anson said: "When I took over my role just under a year ago, I wanted to put into place a structure that I felt would support the long term growth of the club and particularly our ambitions that run alongside any future new stadium development.

"I actually asked Joe to take a break for a while, so both he and I could consider his position and what part Joe could play futuristically.

"Joe now has full responsibility for scouting, watching any future opposition and co ordinating player development throughout the reserve and youth sides. These teams are critical to our future and I am looking for Joe to work alongside the existing managers to ensure that we not only identify any potential new signings, but also identify those younger players who we believe are going to be important to us and help them make the progress needed to achieve this."

Anson said whilst all of the managers try and watch as much football as they can, to be able to dedicate themselves to this in addition to existing responsibilities is very hard but he sees Joe as being able to bridge this gap perfectly.

"With regard to Neil, he has really grown into the coaching job over the past few months and at the age of 31 might just be the youngest manager the club has had, the good thing is that Neil should develop his skill base further still as time goes on," Anson added.

"I wish both Neil and Joe the best of success in their new roles and my thanks go to Joe for the excellent work he has put in at first team level during the past four seasons."