MALVERN Town have confirmed the departure of co-manager Stephen Cleal following a review of the club’s first team structure.
Cleal initially joined the Hillsiders as assistant manager in January 2022 before becoming co-manager alongside Lee Hooper ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
He previously spent six seasons as manager of Bishops Cleeve before later taking charge at Cinderford Town.
And Malvern secured promotion to Step Four in his first season with the club.
Cleal and Hooper guided Malvern to the Southern League Division One South play-off final this season.
The club’s fourth-place finish in the league marked Malvern’s highest-ever league position.
And the Hillsiders also achieved a club-record 75 points over the course of the campaign.
The club have appointed Hooper as the club’s sole first team manager next season supported by assistant coach Andy Bevan.
A club statement reads: “Stephen played a significant role during a historic period for the club, contributing to two record-breaking seasons.
“This includes our promotion to Step Four and this season’s memorable run to the play-off final.
“We are sincerely grateful for his hard work, dedication and professionalism throughout his time with us.
“We wish Stephen every success in his next chapter and thank him for his services to Malvern Town FC.”
Hooper will now take sole charge of Malvern for the 2025/26 campaign.
He has overseen two promotions as manager and also captained the club during his playing career after making his senior debut for the Hillsiders at the age of 15-years-old.
