News round up

Montel Gibson has left Hednesford

Chester have made experienced striker Jacob Hazel their first signing of the summer following his departure from Boston United. The 32-year-old arrives at the Deva Stadium with a proven National League North record, having scored 19 goals for Darlington during the 2022/23 campaign before helping Boston win promotion to the National League via the play-offs a year later.

Hazel, a St Kitts & Nevis international, has also enjoyed prolific spells with Frickley Athletic and Whitby Town. Chester boss Phil Parkinson described him as “powerful, aggressive, quick” and “a real attacking threat”.

Former Hereford United defender Darren Jones has been appointed manager of Lydney Town. Jones also played for Forest Green Rovers and Newport County.

Barrow will relocate their first-team training base to Curzon Ashton’s Tameside Stadium ahead of the new season following the arrival of former Kidderminster Harriers boss Adam Murray.

The National League club said the move followed a “detailed review process”, with Murray heavily involved in assessing potential facilities. Barrow cited the quality of the grass and artificial pitches, alongside recovery and staff facilities, as key reasons behind the switch.

The move mirrors Hereford’s current arrangement of training away from Edgar Street, with the Bulls using facilities at Studley in the West Midlands.

Former Hereford forward Montel Gibson will leave Hednesford Town ahead of the new National League North season after deciding against extending his stay with the promoted Pitmen.

Gibson, who had two spells with the Bulls, played a key role in Hednesford’s promotion-winning campaign. Director of football Andrew Reed described the striker as “a terrific player” and admitted the club were disappointed he would not be part of “something exciting” next season.

Darlington have announced the end of Ebac’s eight-year spell as the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor.

The County Durham-based appliance manufacturer first partnered with Quakers in 2018 and the club said Ebac had donated “many thousands of pounds” during their time together. Darlington thanked the company for its “generosity, loyalty and support”, describing Ebac as an “outstanding supporter” whose community values closely aligned with the club’s own.