Express & Star

Rob Smith swaps Hednesford Town for Halesowen Town

Rob Smith has resigned as Hednesford Town boss – to take the Halesowen Town reins.

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Smith, along with assistant boss Larry Chambers, has called time on a second spell with the Pitmen to become John Hill's successor at The Grove.

Yeltz director of football Keith McKenna said: "We are totally delighted to have appointed Rob Smith and Larry Chambers to Halesowen Town FC, and with their experience and management credentials, I think they are a perfect fit for us.

"Their record speaks for itself and with Rob playing for the club previously, they fully understand the history and fabric of what we are all about, and we hope the fans get right behind them as we start to build a new era and hopefully move up the table."

Smith, who has also managed AFC Telford United twice, takes over with Halesowen fourth bottom in the Southern League Central.

He recently passed 350 games in charge of Northern Premier outfit Hednesford – and said his decision to leave Keys Park was with a 'heavy heart'.

“It is with a heavy heart that with immediate effect I and Larry have tendered our resignations as managers of Hednesford Town Football Club," said Smith.

“We have had six wonderful years with this fantastic club, and have made some lifelong friends along the way.

“The supporters have always been fantastic with us, but the time is right now for the club to give someone else the opportunity and for us to start a new chapter in our careers.

“The gates have been low this season, so I would urge all supporters to get behind the club more than ever now, and get behind the people at the Club who continue to do so much. The time we have had at Hednesford will live with me forever.”

Francino Francis has been placed in charge of first-team affairs until the Pitmen find a permanent replacement for Smith.