Halesowen boss John Hill swaps assistants

Boss John Hill described the decision to dispense with Burroughs, his No 2 since joining the Yeltz in October 2012, as the toughest he has ever had to make.

The move was announced last night on the club's website.

In a statement, Hill said: "I believe for the club to make continued progress on the playing side of things that it would need a change of direction both on the pitch and directly off it.

"I also needed somebody who could give me more of their time due to my increased workload.

"I have enjoyed my time working with Trevor immensely and I'm sure he will be able to walk into another job, after what he has achieved at Halesowen Town.

"I fully understand that this decision could be unpopular throughout the club, as Trevor is such a likeable character. I, for one, am immensely proud of what he has achieved.

"I would like to take this opportunity in publicly thanking Trevor for all his help and for all of the laughter he has brought to the dressing room in our short time together."

Together, Hill and Burroughs oversaw the Yeltz's Evo-Stik Division One South title success last season.

This year, they finished 11th in the Evo-Stik Premier Division but Hill admitted their recent results have been poor.

Clarke is well known to Halesowen supporters having made 88 appearances for the club, before managing the club in the 2009-10 campaign.

But he was forced to quit after being banned from the game for 12 months, having admitted charges of breaking betting rules.

In a further statement, Hill added: "Matt brings with him a wealth of experience and has the added bonus of already having managed Halesowen and he holds the club in high regard.

"I'm sure everybody will welcome Matt back to Halesowen and make him feel like he is back where he belongs."