Mark will be assisted by NEIL HOWARTH. Neil was a centre-half who himself enjoyed a good playing career with Macclesfield Town, Cheltenham Town and Telford United and he has worked alongside Mark Yates before.

Alex Nicholls, with the support of Lee Brown and James Wren, will remain in charge of the side for Saturday's home league fixture against Lowestoft Town before Mark and Neil will take full command in the build-up to the league game away to Rushall Olympic on March 7th.

Mark, who last May took over ownership of the Piccolos Coffee Shop in Bewdley, began his playing career with Birmingham City and subsequently also had stints with Burnley, Doncaster Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers and Cheltenham Town.

After a spell as first team coach at Burnley he moved into management early in 2006 when he became the boss of Kidderminster Harriers. He has since been in charge at Cheltenham Town, Crawley Town, Solihull Moors and Macclesfield Town. The 50-year old returned to Kidderminster on a short-term contract in January 2019 before leaving Aggborough towards the end of last season.

Chairman Andy Pountney: "I was delighted to be contacted by Mark earlier this week and thrilled that following discussions he has accepted the role with Neil (Howarth) coming in as his assistant. Mark's track record speaks for itself. I look forward to working with them both.

I received a host of phone calls and messages from people interested in the vacancy, which was very heartening. I'm sincerely apologise that I haven't been able to get back in touch with everybody since, but it's been a particularly busy week trying to sort out football matters on top of running my own business!

I would also like to thank Alex, Lee and James for stepping into the breach at short notice ahead of the Royston match on Tuesday. Please give them your full support against Lowestoft."