Stourbridge manager Gary Hackett has turned down the chance to manage Leamington – while Grimsby lead a clutch of clubs aiming to sign Glassboys’ FA Cup hero Sean Evans.

The Glassboys boss rejected an approach to take over at the Southern Premier side after leading the Amblecote men to the first round of the FA Cup. Former Halesowen and Rushall chief Paul Holleran has taken over the Brakes hotseat.

Hackett said: “I did get an approach from Leamington for their manager’s job, but I’ve been manager here for six-and-a-half years and the club is making progress on and off the pitch.

“It’s a time when we need unity and off the pitch, and we’re working hard to move the club forward.”

The manager insists the club won’t stand in the way of left-winger Evans, who joined them from Manchester United in the summer, returning to the professional game.

Hackett said: “Sean has been on trial with Grimsby. He deserves this opportunity. We’ve had interest from other clubs including Hereford. I’ll sit down with him and discuss his best options.

“I won’t stand in anyone’s way if they can move on and upwards.”

The Glassboys boss wants to keep some of the fans from their Cup-tie against Walsall for tomorrow’s first home Zamoretto Premier Division clash in 11 games since October 3.

Stourbridge hope to have impressed some of the 2,000 crowd enough to persuade them to return to the War Memorial Ground.

He said: “If we could add 50-100 week-in, week-out, that would be fantastic. This is an impassioned plea for the town to get behind their local team.

“We’re sandwiched in an area of Wolves, Albion and Villa support, but there’s a big difference between paying £30 and £8 for a ticket.”

The home side are without suspended duo Evans and Lindon Dovey, while Ross Collins (hamstring) and Sam Smith (thigh) are rated 50-50.