BEWDLEY Town’s search for a new manager to take over at the end of the season has concluded with the appointment of the vastly experienced Phil Mullen in the Ribbesford Meadow hot-seat.

The former Kidderminster Harriers, Bromsgrove Rovers, Redditch United and Stourport Swifts boss will fill the gap left by management duo Craig Payton and Bryan Lacey, who will step down once the 2013-14 season has finished.

Chairman Geoff Edwards said: “We are delighted to have Phil on board. I think Bewdley was the only local club he hadn’t managed.

“He comes with an excellent track record and can continue the good work of Craig and Bryan.

“He’ll take over once the season has been finished, but he has been to the club and we’ve been talking to him about how we do things.

“We still want to focus on bringing in local players and we’ve got a good group at the moment.”

Town’s West Midlands League clash against title-chasing Shawbury was abandoned after 25 minutes on Tuesday night after striker Lee Williamson suffered a double leg break.

The 23-year-old from Stourport was immediately attended by physio Claire Parker and support James Williams before a medic arrived. The forward was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. He was set to undergo surgery yesterday and be in plaster for six weeks.

Payton said: “In 24 years of managing this is the worst injury I’ve ever seen. It was a straight red card. Claire Parker and everyone who helped did a great job of looking after him.”

Bewdley are set to hold a collection for Williamson when they end their West Midlands Premier campaign to Dudley Town on Saturday, May 10.

Meanwhile, Bewdley were edged out 1-0 by title hopefuls Pegasus Junior on Saturday. They go to Wednesfield on Saturday (3pm) and entertain Cradley on Tuesday (7.45pm).