'I like to think it has paid off' - Chairman Vin Pearson hails Hebburn Town manager Kevin Bolam after FA Vase win

With a number of experienced managers showing interest in taking over at the club, the former Hornets reserve team manager was a surprise choice when he was named as successor to club stalwart Scott Oliver in May 2019.

Bolam built on the solid foundations put in place by his predecessor and put his own stamp on the Hornets side as they challenged for success in the Northern League and FA Vase during his first two seasons in the role.

Promotion into the new look Northern Premier League ‘North Division’ is expected to be confirmed over the coming weeks and Bolam will turn his attention towards planning for another historic season once a busy month is completed.

Monday’s dramatic FA Vase Final win against Ebac Northern League rivals Consett was a notable achievement for the Hornets boss and he will not rest on his laurels as he looks to secure a return to Wembley over the coming weeks.

Bolam’s side travel to Warrington Rylands on Saturday in the quarter-final of this season’s FA Vase and the Hornets boss will make the trip with the supportive words of chairman Pearson ringing in his ears.

He told The Gazette: “Many people saw it as a risk when we appointed Kevin, but I like to think it has paid off.

“I wasn’t sure about Kev, he knows that, I told him to be honest with you.

“But when it came to getting someone in when Scott left the club, I always thought we should keep it in house.

“I think it was me that brought it up.

“Kevin had won the Wearside League with the reserves, he was part of the club and making him manager of the first team was the best thing we could have done.

“The owners were behind us, there were no real questions asked.

“He brought in Mick Mulhern, then there’s Angelos (Eleftheriadis, strength and conditioning coach) and Jason Miller (goalkeeper coach).

“They are meticulous in their approach; they are hardworking and I am so pleased that they are getting the rewards for all of that.”

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