LEE Hooper believes he and Dene Whittal-Williams are building from “solid foundations” as they take the reins at Malvern Town.

The duo have been appointed joint managers at the West Midlands League Premier Division outfit, replacing Les Jones and his assistant Derek Doyle.

Hooper, 33, made his senior debut for the club at just 15 years old before going on to captain the team and is now looking forward to managing them.

“I feel honoured to have been given this role,” said the experienced striker.

“This club has been a big part of my life since I was little and I am extremely excited to be able to guide the club as manager alongside Dene.”

Defender Whittal-Williams has spent the past three years coaching the first-team while he and Hooper were among seven directors to form the club’s new board in January.

“I have no doubt that Dene and I will work well together,” Hooper continued.

“We have been team-mates in the past and get on really well.

“We also have absolute trust in each other and the same goals and ambitions.

“The dynamics will also work well because I am more attacking-minded and Dene will look at things from a more defensive perspective.

“We want to be able to hit the ground running.

“When any new managerial team come in the players have to adapt to a different way of thinking and doing things, and this will be no different here, although we are building from some solid foundations.”

Hooper described it as a “new era” for the club after seven years under Jones and said he wanted everyone “pulling in the same direction.”

“We want the first-team, reserves and under-18s all working closely so there is a clear pathway for progression and development,” Hooper said.

“I’ve had a lot of experience at this level and built up plenty of contacts so it will be a case of tapping into that.

“I’d like to think that my man-management skills will serve me well and that my desire to win and be as professional as possible will rub off on the players.

“There is so much hard work going on behind-the-scenes to take this club forward.

“It’s a great place to be and hopefully it will lead to us being able to attract more people along to matches and build stronger links with the local community.

“Dene and I have to be proactive in this and ensure that we create a buzz around the place that everyone will buy in to. The hard work starts here.”