HALESOWEN Town manager John Hill is to leave the Yeltz after more than six years in charge - but will remain in the hotseat for Saturday's big FA Trophy trip to Spennymoor.

A club statement on Thursday announced Hill and assistant manager Matt Clarke are leaving by mutual consent following back-to-back league defeats this week.

A pair of 2-0 losses to St Ives Town and Barwell have left Halesowen just one point above the Evo-Stik Southern Premier League Central relegation zone after only three wins in 14 league games this season.

Hill joined the club from Tipton Town in 2012, making him one of non-league football's longest-serving bosses, and he has presided over more than 300 games at The Grove.

He will remain in charge for the Trophy trip to Spennymoor and Tuesday's league game at AFC Rushden and Diamonds as Halesowen search for a new man at the helm.

Halesowen's statement said: "The club would like to place on record their utmost thanks to both [John and Matt] and for the work they have carried out for the club.

"Their hard work and dedication to the club was paramount in maintaining our status at this level during last season’s uncertainty.

"John steered the Yeltz to promotion in 2014 from the Northern League Division One South and won the Peter Swailes Trophy in the same season.

"His record speaks for itself, but a downturn in results has led to his departure.

"It has been agreed that John will remain in charge for the games at Spennymoor on Saturday and the trip to AFC Rushden and Diamonds on Tuesday whilst a successor is sought.

"The club will be advertising for a suitable replacement in due course."

See what John Hill has to say about his departure here