HOLYHEAD Hotspur have moved quickly to appoint a successor to departing boss Campbell Harrison.

The Holy Islanders named Darren Garmey as their new boss on Wednesday, May 16, promoting the long-serving figure from the assistant position.

Garmey made around 150 appearances for the Huws Gray Alliance side before being forced into early retirement due to a number of knee problems.

He has also previously managed Spurs’ reserve team and is in the process of obtaining his FAW B Licence coaching certificate.

Chairman Mike Taylor, said: “I could not be happier with this appointment. Darren has Holyhead running through his veins.

“The appointment runs in line with our ethos of promoting from within as we try to do with our players wherever possible. After speaking with players that have been around the squad for the past few seasons, it was made clear that Darren has the respect of the lads and clearly has the dressing room onside.

“He also made it obvious that the way he has networked with other players, managers and other football figures up the coast over the last few years can only work in our favour.

“Another thing that has impressed us with Darren is his interest in the bigger picture at the club, it is no secret that we are working with a lot less resources than other clubs in our league and this is something that does not phase him in the slightest.”

Garmey takes over a talented young squad that underachieved in the second tier last term, and he has already strengthened his backroom staff by announcing Nick Dumbarton as his second in command.

The newly appointed manager is keen to develop the club’s ethos of acquiring some of the best talent throughout the Anglesey region, and has vowed to give “110 per cent” to the role.

“I would firstly like to place on record my gratitude to the committee for giving me the opportunity to manage Holyhead Hotspur,” added Garmey.

“It’s a huge privilege and one that I am going to relish from day one. As in every role I’ve had at this club, from being a player, a coach and assistant manager, I will give 110 per cent to the cause and will be relentless in the quest of taking this great club as far as possible.

“The Cymru Alliance is again without doubt going to be the most exciting and competitive league in the country, and this is a challenge we are all looking forward to.

“We will be looking to recruit the best young players from the area and have faith in them to perform on the biggest stage week in week out.”