Gary Birch next to leave Chasetown

Chasetown boss Craig Harris today revealed Gary Birch has become the second long-serving Scholars player to quit the club this summer.

The 30-year-old has lined up a move into the Blue Square North with Solihull Moors, bringing to an end a four-year spell at the Scholars Ground.

The former Walsall, Kidderminster Harriers and Lincoln City forward follows free-scoring strike partner Dean Perrow out of the exit door.

Perrow has landed a contract with Evo-Stik League Southern side Leamington for next season, after five years with the Scholars.

Harris has also made changes to his backroom staff and promoted Kevin Sweeney from academy coach to assistant manager.

The 63-year-old has a long-standing relationship with the new manager, who takes over from Andy Cox in the role.

And Sweeney has got "more than enough" skills to make a success of the job, according to Harris.

He said: "I actually helped Kev get to Chasetown in the first place, Charlie Blakemore was after a coach and I told him that I knew a guy.

"I have known him 20 years, he was my youth and reserve team manager at Halesowen and he's got more than enough skills.

"He's the guy I wanted with me, he's got vast experience and I reckon he will be top notch."

Cox now faces an uncertain future as he takes time out to consider the general manager's position he has been offered by the new regime.

Mainly a non-coaching role, the now-former No 2 could decide he wants to leave and find a more hands-on role elsewhere.

If he does leave, Chasetown would be losing a club stalwart with 16 years of service both as a player and on the backroom staff.

Harris said: "Andy wants a bit of time to think it over, because he doesn't really want to be pushed off the football side too much.

"He would be a general manager, but I would still always want him there for a good bit of advice."

Harris will go face-to-face with supporters for a Fans Forum at the Scholars Ground tomorrow night, starting at 7.30pm.