HALESOWEN Town chairman Colin Brookes has praised manager John Hill for his hard work to make sure the club moved forwards this season.

The Yeltz bettered the previous campaign’s points tally thanks to a 1-0 away win at already-relegated Hyde United last Saturday.

Former Stourbridge forward Tyree Clarke netted the winner after 51 minutes as Hales ended in a comfortable mid-table position in the Northern Premier League.

The way Hill has remoulded the squad this term before ending the season in fine form has led to praise from the outgoing chairman.

“I think this season has been much more satisfying than the previous one because of the disruption we have had,” said Brookes. “We lost a lot of players in the summer and John and his management team have had to work really had to get people in and continue to move the club forwards.

“I think the fans are really realising now what a good, all-round manager we have.

“I think the work of his assistant Matty Clarke has been very important as well, especially when it comes to recruiting the players.

“There have been some tough times and difficult situations during my time as chairman but I think we have made really great progress to get where we are.

"There was a stage when we nearly didn’t have a club, so to have achieved what we have over the last five years is really pleasing.

“I think John and his team can continue to take us forwards, that is clear from the season we have just had and the way we ended by taking 23 points from the last 13 games.

“When you look at the sides that have been relegated you realise how tough this league really is. That also underlines how well we have done.”

Hill, who chose to step down from his role at the end of the season, also praised Halesowen’s fans for sticking by the team throughout the campaign.

“With all the changes it has been difficult for us at times and we had a period when we found it difficult to win game,” he added.

“But we have slowly built a good side and the important thing was the way the fans stayed with us and hopefully they have been rewarded with the way we ended the season.

“Everyone, from the players, management, fans and those behind the scenes, have all done remarkably well.”

The Yeltz will hold their end-of-season presentation night at the ground on Saturday, May 7 from 7.30pm.