Ryan Hindley has been given the task of guiding Hallam off the foot of the Toolstation NCEL Division One table, replacing the departed Steve Toyne as manager of the Sandygate club.

In a statement, the Countrymen said they had been "somewhat surprised by the volume of applications" given their league position but that they "wanted to keep the job within Sheffield and to appoint someone who could bring a new enthusiasm and spirit into Sandygate and breathe new life into a season that so far has just not got off the ground."

32-year-old Hindley started his playing days at Sheffield Wednesday during which time he spent a period on loan at Hallam.

He then moved on to play for the likes of Chesterfield, Stockport County, Halifax Town, Belper Town and Matlock Town and has still been playing at Clipstone this season whilst managing Meadowhall Sunday side, the Royal Earl, a position he stood down from several weeks ago before the vacancy arose at Sandygate.

Chairman Chris Taylor said: "There is no doubting Ryan's drive and ambition or how serious he is about moving into management. Hallam have given him a rare opportunity which we are sure he will take with both hands. He will no doubt lead by example whether that is from the dugout or out on the pitch with his players.

"Ryan is putting the final touches to his management team with ex-Norwich player Andy Brownrigg being the first to join his coaching staff.

"He hopes to confirm his assistant in the next day or two and will join caretaker manager Kev Staniland and U19 coach Rob Ward in the dugout for Tuesday night's Senior Cup tie with Wombwell.

"The club would also like to put on record their thanks to Kev Staniland for stepping into the breach whist we sought out a new manager.

"Kev has an important role at Hallam, not only working close with Ryan in bringing through our U19 squad into the ranks of the first team but also helping to develop the crop of young promising players we have at Hallam Wisewood U18s."

Hindley and his team will take full charge of first team matters for the home game with Shirebrook Town next Saturday.