Panton becomes first-team boss at Moulton Harrox

A new era is under way at Moulton Harrox Football Club.

Paul Kent – the club’s most successful manager – has finally achieved his wish to step down. Dave Panton has returned to the club to lead the first team.

Kent (50) has had a long association with Moulton, as a player, Reserve team manager and two spells as first-team boss.

It was something of a mixed end to his reign, losing the Lincs Junior Cup final to Hykeham Town in extra-time.

However, an impressive run of late-season form in the ChromaSport and Trophies Peterborough League Premier Division propelled them from languishing in mid-table to finish third.

But for a late equaliser by eventual runners-up Coates Athletic in the clash at Broad Lane earlier this month, it could have been an even better finale to the season for Moulton.

Kent, whose own footballing career was set back with a serious injury while at Spalding United, said: “To be honest we murdered them for football, but it was a terrific run from us and third place was a fantastic achievement.”

Moulton won the Lincs Junior Cup three times under Kent, including as part of a fantastic treble with the PFA Senior Cup and league title in 2012/13.

Panton, who was part of that all-conquering squad, has since had his first foray into management with Bourne Town Reserves in ChromaSport and Trophies United Counties League Division One.

Panton will have the experience of Paul Crowson continuing as assistant manager at Moulton. It’s a management team which Kent believes will extend the club’s ethos.

He said: “We’ve always done things in a similar way.

“We know we can’t go to the next level (due to ground constraints), so our aim has always been to give local players a chance.

“We’ve been proud to see many go on to play at a higher level.

“With Dave’s contacts he should be able to keep the local players and maybe add one or two.”

Kent will still be seen at Harrox Field, helping Andy Price with fundraising.