DARREN Byfield has today been appointed as the new manager of Alvechurch to succeed Ian Long.
Church chairman Richard Thorndike has wasted little time in recruiting former Redditch United manager Byfield from Walsall Wood.
Former Aston Villa and Jamaica strike Byfield spent 18 months with the Reds after being appointed in May 2016 and then started last season as Stratford Town boss before leaving last September.
He then moved to Walsall Wood and guided them to runners-up spot in the Midland League Premier Division, missing out on the title on goal difference to Ilkeston.
The 42-year-old takes over at Lye Meadow after Long ended a four-year stay with Alvechurch having steered them to two promotions before switching to Southern Premier Central rivals Stourbridge.
