Bircham confirmed as new Tudors boss

Lee Bircham has been confirmed as the new manager of Hemel Hempstead Town.

Bircham will be assisted by Steve Bateman with the pair stepping up to National League South level having enjoyed a successful stint at Berkhamsted.

The duo led Berkhamsted to the summit of the Southern League Division One Central last season, only to see their hopes of promotion ended by the Covid-19 pandemic as the campaign was eventually declared null and void.

Other key members of the backroom team at Vauxhall Road will remain the same with Dmitry Kharin as goalkeeping coach, Andy King as kit manager and Natalie Pigott and Kelly Joyce as physios.

Scott Daley joins the club as sports and conditioning coach while Gary McMahon of club sponsors Focus Rigging becomes first team scout. Fred Benning also joins in a coaching capacity and Dan Finill remains as head of media and content and is regarded by the new management team as a key part of the first team staff.

The Tudors had already announced a couple of new signings as well as a number of last season's squad being retained but more new additions are expected as the build up continues towards what is expected to be a new season in the middle of September while the club is currently turning its pitch into a 3G surface.

But the key additions of the summer have now been made with Bircham and Bateman replacing the void left after the departure of Sammy Moore.

And Bircham said: "I am bursting with pride at being asked to manage my hometown club.

"For me, this is much more than a job. It is my town and my home. I know the people involved; I know the fans – this is an awesome responsibility, as well as a massive honour.

"I have known (club chairman) Dave Boggins since I was a child, and I have known Kerry (vice-chairman Underwood) for ages too.

"This is a dream come true for me and I will give it everything I have got. This is about more than the football club, it is about the town, it is about Hemel Hempstead."

Chairman Boggins said: "’I am delighted that Lee and Steve have joined us at the start of a new era for the club, with an improved ground and 3G pitch and reduced admission prices. I cannot wait for the new season to start.’’

And Underwood added: "’Lee is a great choice. He's Hemel Hempstead through and through and with a great track record at local clubs Bovingdon and Berkhamsted.

"In these difficult times, Hemel Hempstead Town is a beacon of hope and good news in the town.

"Dave Boggins has cut admission prices to just £10 while at the same time embarking on a major ground upgrade which will see a 3G pitch and increased capacity in place for the new season.’’