GORNAL Athletic chairman Kevin Williams admitted the club had made mistakes over their recent choice of managers.

The Peacocks have parted company with both Brian Knight and Matthew Price this season as the Garden Walk side find themselves floundering at the bottom of the Midland Alliance.

Williams held his hand up this week and said: “We knew it would be hard rebuilding the side after everyone had followed previous manager Ian Rowe to Tipton Town, but in hindsight, we went the wrong way.

“We went for up and coming managers who we thought could build a side, but we should have gone with experience”.

Gornal expect to have a new manager in position by the time this week’s Thursday night training takes place.

Interviews are currently taking place, but whoever takes charge has a big task on their hands to turn matters around in time.

Williams said: “Don’t get me wrong. I thought we had two great managers in Brian and Matt, but I think their lack of local knowledge let them down.

“I have stressed that we’re looking for someone local this time. “We’ve got 16 games left and I think there’s enough to keep us up.

“Matt Price had a fair crack, but I think the 9-0 result against Causeway United was the last straw for both of us”.

Williams confirmed that some players had left in the wake of Matt Price’s departure, Ben Evans switching to recent conquerors Causeway United, although the chairman confirmed seven days notice of approach had already arrived before Price left.

Williams added: “Although some players have gone, they were probably not of the calibre we wanted. The stalwarts of the team are still here, although I admit the defence needs strengthening and we could do with another striker.

“But we’ve still got use of David Meese, who has agreed to help us out when he isn’t required by Smethwick Rangers