Jim Gannon unveiled as new Hyde United manager

Hyde United have unveiled Jim Gannon as their new manager.

Credit: Eddie Garvey

Speedy appointment

The Northern Premier League side have moved quickly to install the ex-Stockport County man, who led The Hatters to two promotions and a first league title in over 50 years in his various spells at the club.

The vacancy was only live for three days, coming available after former boss Dave McGurk resigned last week, and attracted more than 40 applications..

The club announced the appointment of the 52-year-old on Tuesday night, with their aim of having a new boss in charge for the FA Cup game with Morpeth this Saturday accomplished.

In a statement, the club said: “''Hyde United are delighted that Jim Gannon has been appointed first team manager.

“Following the departure of Dave McGurk, the club received over 25 applicants for the job in just 48 hours. After a series of interviews, the club are delighted to announce Jim into the role.''

Experienced manager

This appointment has to be seen as a real coup for Hyde, with Gannon having much experience and success at a higher level.

A legend at Edgeley Park both as a player and manager, he took charge of the team on three separate occasions.

He also has spells at Port Vale and Motherwell on his CV, as well as a spell in the lower leagues with Northwich Victoria.

The Irishman was unceremoniously sacked as Stockport boss in January, with the club well placed in the league.  Simon Rusk came in as his replacement at the National League side, with Gannon’s departure put down to a difference in ‘culture’.

Speaking to Hyde’s YouTube channel, he said: ''I'm really pleased to be on board and really appreciate the opportunity Hyde have given me to come on board.

It's a great community club and I'm really looking forward to working with the players.  In the two games I've watched, the players have been excellent with fantastic attacking intent.

“There’s a lot of good experienced players at this level and good young attacking players, and I'm looking forward  to help them enhance what they do.''

All change

Gannon has recently started a new job at Oldham Athletic, as head of their Football Education programme, based at Avro’s Vestacare Stadium.

He inherits a club sitting in 14th place in the NPL Premier table, with six points on the board.

His attention will now turn to the club’s FA Cup clash with divisional rivals Morpeth, who have had a difficult start to the season and have just one win in six games.

McGurk’s assistant and interim manager John McCombe also left the club on Monday having led the team to two wins in his three games in charge.

Both plan to take some time away from football following their departure from Ewen Fields.

Experienced midfielder Kingsley James has also left the club.