Lee Hughes considers applying for Halesowen job

The Yeltz will be relegated from Southern Central tomorrow – if they fail to beat runaway leaders Kettering Town or relegation rivals Lowestoft Town win at Hitchin Town.

And they took a step towards the future by asking for applicants this week, with interim boss Hughes among those who could be in the running – if he decides to hang up his playing boots for good.

“They want the best for the club, so they want to listen to everyone, which is completely fair,” said former Albion striker Hughes, who turns 43 this summer. “I’m going to have a good think about it over the next few days and see what’s best for me.

“If I do manage, I will pack up playing – it’s a hard decision to make.”

Hughes is Halesowen’s third boss of the season, following on from John Hill and then former Hednesford Town duo Rob Smith and Larry Chambers.

Despite positive steps off the pitch, reclaiming ownership after years of financial troubles, their five-year stay at the third tier of the non-league pyramid appears to be at an end.

And while that could come to an end tomorrow, one point would see Kettering – and their expected travelling army of 600 fans – enjoy a title party at The Grove at the expense of Yeltz’s No.9 Derby rivals Stourbridge.

The Glassboys are now chasing home advantage in the play-offs and visit Rushden & Diamonds tomorrow (3pm), with both sides looking to improve upon goalless draws last time out.

Gary Hackett’s men sit 12 points off table-toppers Kettering Town and will be looking for a response at Hayden Road having not won in their last three.

Mid-table Rushall Olympic return home when St Neots Town visit Dales Lane tomorrow (3pm).

The Pics head into the fixture in a positive mood having beaten play-off hopefuls Stratford Town 1-0 last time out, while St Neots find themselves inside the Southern Central relegation zone, five points from safety.

Manager Liam McDonald said: “This is a massive game for us as we look to keep in touch with those teams above us.

“We’ve performed very well against those teams above us, but our performance levels against the teams below us have not been where we want, or expect them to be.

“Each game becomes more important than the last as we look to end the season on a high.”

Hednesford Town, 13th in the Northern Premier, will look for a response following a 4-1 loss to second-placed South Shields last weekend.

Nicky Eaden’s side host 16th-placed Stalybridge tomorrow (3pm).

The visitors will be desperate for points with only six points between them and the bottom three.

It is a result which could have an impact on Stafford Rangers’ relegation battle, which continues when they visit 11th-placed Whitby Town tomorrow (3pm).

Rangers are now only four points above danger after two losses and two draws in their last four.

Chasetown will be aiming to make it three wins in a row as they travel to struggling Market Drayton in Northern One West tomorrow (3pm).

Kidderminster Harriers take on relegation-threatened FC United of Manchester tomorrow (3pm) following their 3-0 win over Bradford Park Avenue.

Harriers are currently ninth in National League North, four points outside the play-off places.