HALESOWEN Town have pulled off a coup by signing former Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

The 32 year old marksman made his name with Wolverhampton Wanderers by scoring 61 times in 177 appearances.

Ebanks-Blake went onto join Ipswich Town from Wolves in 2013, but more recently he has been playing for National League North side AFC Telford.

Yeltz assistant manager Matt Clarke said: “It really does make all the hundreds of phone calls worthwhile when something like this comes along.

Clarke revealed that Sutton Coldfield based Ebanks-Blake had been doing his pre-season training with neighbouring Brosmgrove Sporting and added: “I think Sylvan thought there would be offers coming in from a higher level, but that hasn't been the case and there was a sudden realisation that he would be involved in proper non-league football.

“It's a fantastic signing for Halesowen Town and you now sense there's a real buzz about the place.”

Clarke believes the arrival of Ebanks-Blake underlines a signal of intent by the Yeltz this season.

He explained: “For the past three seasons we've been fighting to avoid relegation and I'm sure over that period it has put players off coming here.

“They don't want to be involved in a relegation fight and would rather be challenging for honours.

“Now that we have new owners in place, the club feels different. There's an excitement and belief that we're looking upwards.

“We know the club has a big fan base and if we can start doing better on the pitch, I'm sure we can win some of those supporters back again.”

Ebanks-Blake is the latest in a string of new signings by the Yeltz this summer.

Central defender Matthew Baker has arrived following spells at Ilkeston, Grantham and Buxton.

The Yeltz has also added former Walsall youngster Sam Tonks, who was previously at AFC Wulfrunians and striker Dimitri Dunkley who impressed last season with West Midland League champions Wolves Sporting Community.

They have also added Aaron Gilpin to their ranks having previously been with West Bromwich Albion and Shrewsbury Town.

The club have also been boosted by that fact that fans favourites Enock Ekongo and Roland 'Derek' Agbor have chosen to remain with Halesowen this season.