Paul Smith makes shock return as Halesowen Town boss

Smith, who led Halesowen to the play-offs last season had guided the club to the top of the Northern Premier League Midland Division - before resigning in October.

Assistant bosses Craig Nicholls and Martin Sockett took over - and have kept the club at the top end of the league with The Grove side currently sitting in second.

Now, five months after stepping away, Smith has been re-instated to replace the joint managers as The Yeltz boss until the end of the season as the club push for promotion in the final six games.

In a statement, Smith insisted he is fresh and ready to go in a bid for promotion.

He said: "I’m fresh, focussed and ready.

"The goal remains the same as it has been all season, and we will work as hard as we can to try and achieve that promotion.''

Shortly after the news was announced, departing joint manager Nicholls took to social media to express his disappointment in leaving the club.

He said: "To say I am disappointed is an understatement. But, ultimately, the results over the last month have pushed the club into making the decision.

"Not every fan is going to agree with the tactics and decisions made and, at times, I've had to deal with some very unpleasant comments but I understand that comes with the territory.

"However, the vast majority of the time, the fans have been absolutely amazing and I've been grateful for their support.

"I'd like to wish the players good luck for the remaining fixtures and hope they are able to achieve the success we have worked hard to generate.

"It is important for me to address that, frustratingly, some seem to think I am inexperienced and this was my first role in football management when I have actually been managing/coaching for the past 15 years and have achieved numerous successes within that time.

"I will be continuing with my role within the college and hoping to push through some of the younger players into the first team."