Express & Star

Stourbridge name Ian Long new boss

Stourbridge have appointed former Tividale boss Ian Long as their new manager.

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Long joins the Glassboys after a hugely successful four years at Alvechurch and replaces Gary Hackett, who stepped down earlier this month after 16 years in charge at the War Memorial Ground.

He will be assisted by Richard Colwell, who has also moved across from Alvechurch, together with goalkeeper coach Chris Walwyn.

Glassboys chairman Andy Pountney said: "Ian was among 40 applicants for the vacant manager's role and I have to say we had some very strong candidates.

“In the end we couldn't get away from what Ian had achieved as manager at both Tividale and Alvechurch. His record speaks for itself.”

Long led Tividale to the Midland League Premier Division title in 2014, before then guiding Alvechurch to back-to-back promotions.

The Church finished third in this season’s Evo-Stik Central Premier Division, one spot ahead of the Glassboys, who they then defeated in the play-offs in what turned out to be Hackett’s final game in charge.

Long will be tasked with building on the legacy left by his predecessor, who transformed Stour into one of the strongest step three clubs in the country.

Pountney continued: “We know only too well from recent experience what a strong and competitive side he was able to put together at Alvechurch, without having the level of resources at his disposal of some of the other clubs in the division.

“Me and my fellow directors look forward to working with Ian, Richard and the rest of his team.

“Hopefully the news of this appointment will be exciting for our supporters as we look ahead to next season."