Graham Drury appointed Stamford AFC manager for the third time

Drury, 44, returns to lead the Daniels for a third time.

He replaces Andrew Wilson who was sacked on Monday last week after just 10 games in charge of the Evo-Stik NPL side. He in turn replace David Staff at the end of September.

Stamford currently sit second from bottom in the league, four points from safety.

Drury was appointed as manager by the board last night (Wednesday) and will take training at Borderville tonight as his squad prepare the trip to Frickley Athletic on Saturday.

In a statement on the club’s website Drury said: “I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity and I can assure the fans I will not let them down. I have learnt a lot since I was last here and I return fully committed to what needs to be achieved.

“The facilities here are second to none - all geared for Conference North football. That’s where we should be setting our sights.”

“Our immediate priority is to get away from the bottom four and then I will be looking for a mid table finish. Anything more would be a bonus but, longer term, our target must be the play-offs.”

Daniels club chairman Bob Feetham said: “It was a unanimous decision. We had a lot of applications and considered everyone carefully, but Graham stood out as the man with the most passion and, more importantly, a clear vision of what needs doing now. We cannot afford to lose our NPL status and believe Graham is the best man to preserve it while also taking us forward.

“There will be new faces here, that’s for sure. He has good plans to liven the squad and help bring back a winning mentality. Certainly, there won’t be many dull moments with Graham around the place - so sit back and enjoy the ride. ”

Drury has also led Corby Town, Boston United and most recently Holbeach United.