Haynes in at Shifnal after shock decision to axe duo

The Midlands non-league scene was stunned to discover news of the sacking yesterday as Carrier revealed on social media a decision had been taken to relieve the pair of their duties, before a crazy 24 hours was capped by the appointment of Haynes and Kevin Sandwith as assistant.

Haynes and Sandwith previously managed Ellesmere Rangers in 2018 and have more recently worked as assistant manager and first-team coach at National League North AFC Telford United.

They worked under Gavin Cowan at the Bucks until the trio parted company with the club earlier in the season. The Shropshire Star has been told Cowan is not involved in any role at Shifnal.

A club statement read: “Shifnal Town would like to welcome the new manager Jamie Haynes and his assistant manager Kevin Sandwith to the club. Good luck with your new roles.”

The surprise sacking comes after two-and-a-half years of unbroken success for the former Wednesfield duo, who joined Shifnal in 2019 and lifted them from the foot of the West Midlands Premier, only to be denied promotion and the title in their debut season by the pandemic.

But after also topping the charts before 2020/21 was curtailed, Shifnal were awarded promotion to the Midland League Premier on a winning average – and made it a trio of successes with memorable TJ Vickers Cup and Shropshire Senior Cup wins in May.

It would have been a quadruple success but for a penalty shootout defeat on a day the club were forced to play two finals. Shifnal are seventh after 14 games in the step five Midland Premier League, with games in hand on sides above them.

Carrier stated on social media that the duo had been told they were sacked for ‘non-footballing reasons’.

Joint-boss Carter had previously spoken about a five-year plan for Shifnal to continue rising through the pyramid at the Acoustafoam Stadium.

Chairman Mike Tranter said: “As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate what they’ve done for the club, they’ve done brilliant on the pitch and I wish them all the best for the future.”

Asked for the reason behind the shock departures, he added: “It’s confidential, between me and them, I wouldn’t comment. They’ve done well for us on the pitch and I wish them all the best.”

Shifnal welcome second-bottom Bewdley on Saturday.