Baptism of fire

10:16am Thursday 24th January 2008

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THE tasty Dudley Town versus Tividale derby has been spiced up from a balti to a vindaloo as both sides prepare to show off new management teams for the West Midlands Premier Division clash this Saturday.

Following a highly successful spell in caretaker control Dudley Town have unveiled Rob Perks and Ian Rowe as their new management team.

While down the road at the Beeches their predecessors Dean Whitehouse and Dave Smith will take full control of Tividale following the resignation of Ross Hill.

The Dudley Town duo were given an unanimous nod of approval at a committee meeting on Monday.

The pair took over the reins on a temporary basis in December following Whitehouse and Smith's decision to fly the nest and join their rivals.

Despite a host of other candidates putting their names forward Perks and Rowe stood out from the pack according to the Robins vice chairman Steve Austin.

He said: "We are delighted to announce Rob Perks and Ian Rowe as our new management team.

"They are both exceptionally keen to do well and we are confident they will be able to drive this club forward.

"While in caretaker control they have conducted themselves impeccably.

"They have picked up some good results but just as importantly they have created a wonderful atmosphere within the dressing room."

The duo, who are still playing a major part on the field, will be looking to bring in a third person to help with the running of the side as they prepare for a real baptism of fire in their opening home fixture against their former bosses.

Whitehouse and Smith were originally brought in to assist Hill but following his resignation due to personal reasons the pair have been handed the top job until the end of the season.

Whitehouse can't wait to get stuck into the challenge ahead.

He said: "I am looking forward to it because it's a big job and I will give it a real good go and will enjoy the ride.

"This is a club that is close to my heart having enjoyed a good time here as a player."

The new boss was looking forward to coming face to face with his former team and a management pairing he holds in the highest regard.

He said: "I think the appointment of Ian (Rowe) and Rob (Perks) is spot on.

"They are quality players and quality blokes and I can't wait to meet up with them on Saturday."

The game will take place at Lye Town's Stourbridge Road ground (3pm kick-off) while work continues on the floodlights at the Dell Stadium.

With most games falling foul ofthe weather last weekend Dudley Sports took advantage by moving to within touching distance of league leaders Bridgnorth thanks to a 2-1 win away at Bustleholme.

Sports k-now only two points off top spot-will have their promotion credentials put to the test when they travel to fourth-placed Wednesfield on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Gornal Athletic will welcome fellow strugglers Ledbury to the Garden Walk Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick off).

Brierley Hill and Hagley will be hoping for a return to action after a two-week break.

Tony Gore's men will travel to Wolverhampton Casuals on Saturday (3pm kick-off).