NEW Halesowen Town manager Matty Clarke believes he will be able to give supporters a team to be proud of if the club’s FA suspension is overturned.

Though no official statement has been made by the club, Clarke has revealed he was put in charge of team affairs following Morell Maison’s suspension from the game in May.

The fans’ favourite, who rejoined the Yeltz as a player in February following a ten year absence, inisists he has been assured the position is permanent and he will remain in place after Maison’s ban finishes on August 11.

Clarke (pictured) has appointed another former Yeltzman, Rob Elmes, as his assistant and together they have tirelessly set about building a squad for the new season.

Clarke said: “We probably sat down and spoke to 60 players, though the vast majority turned us down because of the current situation at the club.

“We have got about 14 players training with us at the moment, they are all West Midlands based players and we both feel that is important. We have some real quality players as well.

“When I came back in February I really felt the club had lost it’s identity, you had players coming from a long way away who didn’t understand what it means to play for Halesowen.

“We have identified local, young players. We both have a big knowledge of non-league footballers in the area.”

Clarke confirmed midfielder Tom Bates and defender Jamie Hood had both joined from Atherstone, while Shane Paul has returned from his lengthy injury lay-off and defender Dennis Pearce is also attending training - which is being held three times a week.

Experienced physio Peter Denham has joined from Solihull Moors and Clarke is making no secret of his determination to succeed in management.

He said: “If the club can come through this we will be able to put out a team of honest, hard-working, West Midlands-based players. There is a great atmosphere among them despite what is going on.

“In me and Rob you have two former Halesowen players who are young, hungry and want to do well as managers.

“We know how important the club is to the community, we both had a great time here as players and the fans are fantastic.

“We have worked so hard, I will be devastated if it does not come off.”

The club currently has an embargo preventing players from being registered, while this Saturday’s friendly with Bromsgrove Rovers has been cancelled because of the FA ban.

Clarke admitted the current crisis surrounding the Grove was making it increasingly difficult for him in convincing players to stay.

He said: “We are not going to lie to any of the players, they know the situation the club is in. They also know what me and Rob are trying to achieve.”