LYE Town chairman Brian Blakemore says he's pleased with the club's new management team for next season.

Following Darren Goodall's departure, Craig Harris has now been promoted to work alongside joint-boss Martin Thomas.

Former Chasetown boss Harris was at the club last season in a coaching role assisting Thomas and Goodall as the club secured their highest ever finish.

The Stourbridge Road outfit ended their Midland Premier League campaign in fourth place, six points behind Sporting Khalsa but six ahead of Westfields, which betters the club’s previous highest finish of sixth place in the 2014/15 season.

Blakemore said: "We're really pleased that Craig Harris will step up to join Martin Thomas as our joint boss.

"He brings lots of experience, knows the scene and did really well for us last season.

"We had a great seven years with Darren at the club and hopefully we can build on that now.

"Everyone is working hard to get ready for next season. We are in the process of finalising the players that will be staying with us as well as looking to strengthen.

"It's not going to be easy next season with just one team going up, especially with Worcester dropping down to our level, but we want to keep improving."

The chairman also reported positive news about their rent dispute with Dudley Council.

Lye failed to apply for promotion last season when they couldn't guarantee where they would be playing due the possibility of a 500 per cent rent rise.

However, Blakemore is confident the issue can be resolved.

"The talks seem to be heading in the right direction," he added. "It's not resolved but we are trying to work with them to sort the situation out. It's moving forward and looking more positive that we can find the middle ground."