Jarreau Hayward, who was replaced as coach by St George’s Colts after winning the FA Cup last season, has joined Dandy Town as part of Kyle Lightbourne’s backroom staff.

Hayward, who rejected the chance to remain at St George’s as part of their coaching programme, will link up with former national head coach Lightbourne as he returns to the sidelines

“Jarreau has been officially appointed as one of Kyle's assistants along with Seion Darrell,” Scott Morton, Town’s director of football, told The Royal Gazette.

“Jarreau brings experience having led a first team before and we are looking for him to meet with the new structure that we have put in place in trying to build the club back to some of the methods and models that we had in place before, which have brought the likes of Walter Musson, the Martin brothers, Voorhees Astwood, Troy Durham and Wayne Campbell. The list goes on and on.

“First of all, we need persons with big personalities, so that's why we hired Kyle to lead us from that position with assistants who have experience and can take the group in the direction that we need.”

Morton said expectations are high for the coming season based on the new structures in place.

“We will have regular meetings to make sure that things don't get missed or things go on too long where we have to plug a big hole versus just catching a leak,” he added.

“These discussions are ongoing regularly to inform them and we have given them updates. We will continue to assess with their input for the best structure for the whole club.”

Morton is optimistic the coaching staff can achieve their goals, but is not expecting instant gratification.

“We are not looking for immediate success as we have goals and targets because of the total restructure that we have done with the club,” he said.

“We want to first and foremost keep the standards high with accountability from the players and from the staff.”

Hayward, who was relieved of his duties at St George’s after a review of the team’s league performance, is delighted with the chance to work alongside Lightbourne.

“I am grateful, privileged and honoured to be a part of the Dandy Town family and club,” he said.

“I first want to thank and acknowledge the various clubs who contacted me to join their programme and they were all exciting projects.

“I ultimately chose Dandy Town because of the professionalism from the hierarchy, the direction the club are heading and that they most closely align with where I am in my career at present.

“I will one day be a head coach again but in this moment I need to pour into myself as well as build a team and football programme.

“Crucially, to work under Kyle Lightbourne, Scott Morton, Aaron Denkins and Devarr Boyles was a no-brainer. I look forward to learning their perspectives on football, club-building and life in general.”

Lightbourne is equally delighted to have Hayward serve on his team.

“We saw an opportunity to bring an experienced coach in at the level in Bermuda,” he said. “He’s young, he wants to thrive and wants to continue his coaching.

“He did a fantastic job with St George’s, so in our eyes it’s a no-brainer. Hopefully we can work well together, learn from one another and help the club grow.

“We are trying to rebuild, so it’s a great opportunity for both of us to build a relationship and go forward.”