NEW Halesowen Town boss Paul Smith says he's relishing the challenge of helping the club return to the Southern League Central.

Smith drops down a level to lead the Yeltz after successfully keeping Redditch United up this season.

However, he believes he'll be given the backing he needs to succeed at the Grove and described Town's potential as "endless".

He said: "A lot of my decision was down to the amount Halesowen wanted me.

"They made the approach last week and I was flattered but also very, very impressed by how much enthusiasm and passion Karen (Brookes) and Keith (McKenna) have for their club.

"They have a lot of get up and go for their club and that really hit a chord with me.

"I'm an ambitious manager that wants to do well and the potential at Halesowen is endless. It's a club with a huge tradition and a massive fan base.

"Things seem to be going really well off the field at the moment, they are getting better daily and the plan is that I'll help to get on-field matters right too.

"Obviously the squad will need strengthening but it is still a clean slate for everybody at the club and I'll be talking to the players this week to find out how they feel and let them know that they're more than welcome to join us for pre-season.

"You've got to have lows in football to help you enjoy the highs. I'm determined to make this next year a good one for the club."

Smith started his managerial career with Alvechurch where he made more than 250 appearances as a player. Following this he moved to manage Studley before, in 2014, he joined Bromsgrove Sporting in what would prove to be his most successful spell as manager.

He led the Rouslers to second place in Midlands League Division One. The following season saw more success, another second place was gained alongside two cup final appearances.

The next season, if it could be, was even better, Smith led the Rouslers to the League Championship and were unbeaten in the league all season and he was a game from Wembley as Bromsgrove Sporting lost in the semi-final of the FA Vase against Cleethorpes Town.

Smith left Bromsgrove in March 2018 and joined Highgate United for a while before joining Redditch United in September 2018.

He will now begin pre-season preparations at the Grove after taking over from caretaker management duo Lee Hughes and Asa Charlton.

On confirming the appointment, Yeltz director of football Keith McKenna said: “I am delighted that we have secured the services of Paul Smith as our new manager of Halesowen Town FC and am certain he has the credentials to take us back up to the Premier Division and above. He is meticulous and communicates very well on and off the field and has a great understanding of all levels of the game and will bring an exciting brand of football to the Grove."