Hart takes over as Rushden boss

Hart has been out of management since March 2005

Paul Hart has been named new Rushden and Diamonds manager following the departure of Barry Hunter.

The former Nottingham Forest boss assisted Hunter in a part-time role towards the end of the season.

Player-manager Hunter left "by mutual consent" when his contract expired in May and after Rushden were relegated.

Hart told BBC Radio Northampton: "This club sold itself to me. We will now endeavour to make it an enjoyable experience to come and watch Rushden."

A club statement said: "Paul is an experienced manager who followed an impressive 16-year playing career by successfully coaching many clubs.

The statement added: "The board are delighted that a manager of Paul's calibre and experience has agreed to join the club and look forward to success for the team under his management."

Hart, 53, began his managerial career at Chesterfield in 1988 before coaching the academy at Leeds and managing at Forest and more recently Barnsley during the 2004-05 campaign.