Paul Hunt said he is “excited” after making his return to football management with Heacham.
The former Swaffham Town and Wisbech St Mary boss was confirmed as the new Magpies manager this afternoon.
Hunt said: "I'm really excited to get going, as a bit of time out of football and watching from the sidelines always recharges my batteries, so feel ready to take on this challenge.
"Heacham has real potential as it has developed year on year to match the success it has had on the pitch. This shows it has the people at the club who make things happen."
Hunt, who has played and managed at Thurlow Nunn League level for more than three decades, became aware of the vacancy through ex-boss David Griggs.
"Griggsy and I spoke which resulted in me going down and having an interview.
"After feeling the passion and commitment of the people involved with the club and Mark, the new chairman's ideas for the future, it was an exciting project to be part of.
"Another attractive element of the role was the facilities which are excellent."
The Lynn-based manager is no stranger to the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, having twice managed Swaffham Town in the top flight.
"It is an excellent well run league with a lot of strong teams in it," he said.
"These are the types of challenges you relish so I'm really looking forward to being in this league again."
Hunt, who is expected to announce the rest of his coaching team shortly, ended by paying tribute to former manager Griggs and his coaching staff after their unparalleled success of the last decade.
"Griggsy and his coaches have done an amazing job going through the leagues and getting to Step 5," he said.
"It is a tough league for players and managers who know the league. For them all to come up and stay in the league and beat several teams is a real credit to them.
"It will now be about building a strong team of some current and new players to push on and be competitive in the league they have worked so hard to get to."
Hunt will return to the dugout from May 1.
A statement posted by the club on social media read: "Heacham Football Club would like to announce the appointment of Paul Hunt as the new first team manager from May 1, 2024.
"Paul has a wealth of experience that he will bring to the club as we look to consolidate our position in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division next year."

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Greg Plummer
Sports Editor
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