Mark Hawkes becomes Clarets boss

Mark Hawkes (centre) becomes the new manager

Chelmsford City have appointed Mark Hawkes as the club’s new first-team manager alongside Steve Smith as the new assistant manager with immediate effect.

The duo join from Ryman Division One North side Heybridge Swifts.

Chairman Mansell Wallace said: "We've brought in some people who we think will be able to sort the dressing room out and bring new players in which is what we need.

"I'm delighted to appoint these two, we believe they have the character to turn it around for us and we look forward to bringing in the players they want to bring in.

"We believe they will jump through a brick wall for Chelmsford City and they will expect that from all their players as well."

Caretaker manager Kenny Brown wrote on Twitter: "Disappointed to be leaving Chelmsford but enjoyed my time at such a good club. I completely understand the direction the club want to go.