THERE were more talking points off the field than on it at Blaise Park on Saturday as St Blazey played out an entertaining goalless draw against Shepton Mallet.

Immediately after the final whistle, the Green and Blacks announced that former Buckland Athletic boss Dan Hart is the new manager following the unexpected sacking of Mark Carter earlier in the week.

It will be Hart’s first managerial job since leaving Buckland last May. He arrived at Homers Heath in 2022 and in his final Western League campaign in charge, he led the Bucks into the playoffs where they were then beaten at the semi-final stage by Clevedon Town.

Todd Hanrahan was his right-hand man as a player/manager in Newton Abbot and he has since reunited with Hart at St Blazey.

This feeling of a fresh start at the Cornish club was enhanced on Sunday when club legend Phil Lafferty was named as director of football, his first official involvement in the club since leading them to promotion from the South West Peninsula League as Premier West champions four years ago.

A club statement said: “Between now and the end of the season Dan and his wider coaching team can assess the strong group already assembled; identifying any specific areas he may feel would benefit from strengthening, ahead of the summer.”

Hart said: “This is a football club with a rich history, ambition, fresh direction and huge potential.

“I’m refreshed and excited to get to work, to foster a competitive culture with real identity and to take this football club forward step by step.

“Our targets are clear – and I’m prepared for the opportunity that a club of this standing provides.”

Dan Hart will get his St Blazey tenure underway on Saturday when they host Sidmouth Town.