Hunt leaves with head held high as Hunter takes over at Heacham FC
Mark Hunter, has been named the new manager of Heacham FC with his first game in charge the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division home fixture against 13th placed Harleston Town on Saturday, 22nd November (3pm Kick off).
Hunter possesses a UEFA B License and is an FA Youth Award holder. His experience of mentoring, developing and educating players at Peterborough United Foundation U18’s, acclimatising them for the demands of senior football, should bode well. This will resonate well at Heacham, where there is a strong focus on youth development.
The King’s Lynn based 46 year old also has 11 years of professional scouting experience in the English Football League system, which ensures he is well positioned to spot talent both within and outside of the club that will fit with his game plans and strategies.
Hunter said, “I am looking forward to the challenge. I know there is talent here and realise Heacham are not being rolled over by teams, playing well but losing by the odd goal. I want to make us more compact, harder to beat and more competitive. We’ve got 19 games to go and 57 points to fight for. I will have a close look at the squad at training on Tuesday and look forward to the home game against Harleston Town next week”.
Whilst there will be a long term plan for Hunter, his immediate priority is to get the Magpies out of the drop zone and safe from relegation, to secure their place in the Premier Division next season. He visited the club yesterday to meet club officials.
Chairman, Sam Pishorn said, “really pleased Mark is joining us, his experience fits very well with what is required here at Heacham both in the short term and long term. His background is a perfect fit with the ethos we have here at the club”.
Let’s hope Hunter starts his realm as well as new King’s Lynn Town FC manager, Ian Calverhouse. Despite facing completely different scenarios in their new roles, both face an immediate prerequisite, to move their charges up the league table.
Paul Hunt's tenure at the helm of Heacham FC came to a mutual end after their 2-1 home defeat to Soham Town Rangers on Saturday. Heacham missed a chance to win the match in the dying moments, only for Soham to go up the other end and snatch victory. On such fine margins football management can lie.
Hunt said, “it was a tough decision as I had a great bunch of experienced and young players who always listened and gave me everything, they are a credit to the club”.
Hunt took over in 2024 and took Heacham to a very creditable 15th in the table with a lower budget and younger squad than the powerhouses of the division. He has left his replacement with a squad of players that are more than capable of punching above their weight, and for that he should be respected. It should be noted he has not left a sinking ship, he has left a legacy that Hunter can hopefully tap into and build upon.
Chairman, Sam Pishorn, said, “The club would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to Paul for his dedication and contribution over the past two seasons. Everyone at Heacham FC wishes Paul every success in his future endeavours”.
Sam Pishorn will be in temporary charge for Heacham today as they make the long trip to Woodbridge Town until Hunter’s arrival for training next Tuesday evening.
