Racing Club raid Saints for Clarke’s replacement

After less than a season in charge at Townsend Meadow, Clarke has returned to Rugby Town as assistant manager, citing the lure of coaching at Southern League level as too strong to resist.

“Rugby approached me before Christmas,” said Clarke. “I could have walked away then but I wanted to stick it out until the end of the season and make sure we avoided relegation, which we did.”

Hayden, who was assistant to Lee Knibbs at Banbury Road, is the latest in a long line of managers to try and revive the Racers’ ailing fortunes, but vice-chairman Andy Cowlard believes this time the club have got the right man for the job.

“Michael Hayden was very impressive at his interview and appears very well organised and comes with an experienced backroom staff,” said Cowlard.

“He is a very determined and ambitious young man and has shown in the past that he puts a hundred per cent into any challenge he faces.

“A major factor in his appointment is his passion for Racing Club Warwick.”

Hayden captained the youth side at Townsend Meadow before progressing through to the first team and Cowlard says he will have full control over the playing structure as Racing Club look to develop talent from within.

“Michael fully understands the philosophy that we encourage at the club of developing players through the youth team and reserves as he has experienced it for himself.

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