Former Plymouth, Brentford and Crawley Town defender Jay Lovett has switched BetVictor Isthmian League dugouts by standing down at South Park to take the helm at Burgess Hill Town.
The 41-year-old quit the Isthmian League Central Division’s Sparks on Sunday before being unveiled as the successor to Simon Wormull at the Isthmian League South East Division’s Hillians on Monday.
Wormull left last Wednesday before the Hillians moved swiftly for Lovett who turned around South Park’s fortunes during his 12 months at the helm of the West Sussex club.
An uncompromising defender, Lovatt also enjoyed a distinguished Non-League career with the Met Police, Eastbourne Borough, Horsham, Lewes and the Hillians among his former clubs.
According to a statement confirming his appointment, Lovett’s record “fits the bill” at the Green Elephants Stadium.
He will need to hit the ground running when he takes charge for the first time on Tuesday night with the Hillians hosting East Grinstead in the second round of the Sussex Senior Cup and second from bottom in the league.
Burgess Hill Town chairman Kevin Newell said: “Jay has played for us and has proven in his first managerial role at South Park that he is a very capable young manager. We are looking forward to working with Jay and his management team.”
Wormull was named as the successor to Ian Chapman at Leylands Park just under a year ago and oversaw their relegation from the Isthmian League’s Premier Division last term.
Last Tuesday night’s 4-3 defeat at Whyteleafe proved to be his final match at the helm before he left with his side second from bottom of the Isthmian League South East Division.
The Sparks officially launched their hunt for a new manager at Whitehall Lane on Monday within hours of paying tribute to Lovett in a statement on their website and a series of posts on Twitter.
South Park Club Statement pic.twitter.com/xCMyvhHUw5
— South Park FC (@South_ParkFC) November 2, 2019
Thank you @jlovetto pic.twitter.com/rfXL3W7UFO
— South Park FC (@South_ParkFC) November 3, 2019
Images courtesy of @South_ParkFC/Twitter
