STUDLEY chairman Barry Cromwell has praised the efforts of Keith Draper following the latter’s decision to step down as Studley manager.
Draper has decided to relinquish his role as boss of the Midland League Division One side, but aims to remain involved at the Beehive.
Former Alvechurch boss Vaughan Pearshouse has stepped up from his assistant manager role to take the managerial reins at the sixth-placed Bees and will be assisted by Matt Dorgan.
Draper rebuilt the Studley squad midway through last season and led them away from the relegation dogfight and to Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup glory.
However, after a brilliant start to the new campaign which saw them lead the way for much of the opening third of the season, the Bees suffered a slump in form, culminating in Draper resigning after the recent 5-1 defeat at Lichfield City.
Cromwell said: “On Monday evening last week I received a phone call from Keith Draper stating he wished to take a step away from managing the club.
“He wishes to stay at the club in some capacity as he has great respect for Studley and the people involved in it.
“Vaughan Pearshouse has taken on the role of manager and Matt Dorgan will be assisting in the coaching role and it is hoped Keith will support in a number of aspects.
“I would like to place on record both mine and the committee’s appreciation for the tremendous job Keith has done over the last 15 months in leading Studley from a relegation battle to safety and cup winners last season.
“This season he has continued the progress with our rise into a top six side.
“We wish Vaughan all the best in the challenge that lays in front of Studley and he will have the full support of myself and the committee, just as Keith had previously.”
The Bees’ scheduled home matches against leaders Walsall Wood and Chelmsley Town on Saturday and Tuesday respectively were both postponed due to waterlogged pitches.
Weather permitting, Studley visit fifth-placed Hinckley AFC on Saturday before continuing their defence of the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup at home to Atherstone Town – second in Division One – on Tuesday.
Reds capture winger Davies
REDDITCH United boss Tim Harris has swooped to sign pacy winger Jed Davies on a one-month loan from Tamworth.
Davies is in line for an immediate Southern Premier debut in Saturday’s home game against Basingstoke Town, which is followed by another Trico Stadium encounter on Tuesday when Gosport Borough are the visitors in a rearranged fixture.
Meanwhile, the 17th-placed Reds’ visit to Cambridgeshire to face St Ives Town – postponed due to a waterlogged pitch on Saturday – has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 27.
