CLUB stalwart Asa Charlton has left Halesowen Town.

The central defender, who was left out of Halesowen's derby defeat to Stourbridge on Boxing Day, chalked up 291 appearances for the Yeltz and was 17th in the all-time appearance list.

However, Charlton has now decided to leave the Grove to link up with Southern League Central rivals Rushall Olympic.

A club statement read: "Asa has proved an important asset to the club both on and off the pitch and had proved a model professional to the younger members of the squad. At the end of every season he used to say 'one more year'’ and many thought he would end his playing days with us.

"Many of you won’t know but Asa is employed by Greene King Brewery and it was with his help that we managed to secure the sponsorship needed for the James Grove Lounge refurbishment over the summer.

​"We will all certainly miss Asa’s family who have been present both home and away supporting Asa and the club.

​"We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Asa for his time at the Yeltz, a true footballing gent, and we hope you will all join us in wishing him every success for the future."