HALESOWEN Town have named Rob Smith as the club's new manager.

Smith, who previously managed at AFC Telford United and Redditch United, left his second spell Hednesford Town to take the hotseat at the Grove following the departure of John Hill.

He will be joined at the Yeltz by assistant Larry Chambers and the pair will be in charge for this Saturday's visit of Stratford Town.

Hill's six-year, 300-plus game reign came to an end following Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat at Rushden and Diamonds.

His departure, along with assistant Matt Clarke, was first announced last Thursday but the management team agreed to stay on for two more games to give the club time to find the right successor.

Director Keith McKenna, who oversaw the recruitment process, is pleased to get Smith and Chambers to the Grove.

He said: "We are totally delighted to 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 clubs previously, they fully understand the history and fabric of what we are all about and hope the fans get right behind them as we start to build a new era and hopefully move up the table.’’ Hales suffered a 8-2 hammering at Spennymoor in the FA Trophy last Saturday before Tuesday night's league defeat Rushden.

Hill was disappointed he couldn't leave on a high note but believes the new boss has the basis of a good squad to work with.

He said: "We do have trouble with injuries and unavailability at the club at the moment and that hasn't helped us. It was the same against Rushden.

"The first thing that the new manager will need to do is bring in three or four new players just for this weekend.

"There is a half-decent squad to work with but it's not going to be easy just because of the injuries."

On his immediate plans, he added: "I'm going to have a break now and enjoy Christmas with the family.

"I do want to get back into it but I'll take my time."

Meanwhile, the club received a big off-field boost this week after securing fresh sponsorship support.

Property firm Seven Capital will bring significant financial support to the Yeltz and will also have the club's board room named after the company.