HW Welders have announced the appointment of Paul Kee as new first team manager at the Lough 41 Championship club.

The 55-year-old Derry native steps into the Blanchflower Stadium hotseat following Gary Smyth's departure earlier this season.

A UEFA Pro Licence holder, Kee brings with him a wealth of managerial and coaching experience spanning almost 30 years, and includes spells in charge of Omagh Town, Institute, Carlisle United (assistant), Limavady United and Northern Ireland U17s.

The Welders currently sit second bottom of the Championship, having picked up just four points from their first seven outings.

Speaking about the task ahead Kee said: "I was very impressed with what the committee had to say, and the facilities here are first class.

"There's a lot of good experienced players here, not only from the Championship but the Premiership also, and that's what excited me.

"All we can do is take each step as it comes and each challenge as it comes. Obviously results haven't been great but hopefully the players respond well to what we're trying to do."

The Welders are away to second placed Annagh United on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.