HALESOWEN Town owner Steve Lynch has been hailed a hero for averting tragedy when two wheels fell off the team coach on the motorway.

The terrifying incident occured between junctions one and two of the M5 just after 8pm on Saturday evening, when the Yeltz were travelling back from their FA Trophy game at Biggleswade Town.

Two rear nearside wheels came off the vehicle but Lynch, who was driving, was able to steer it to safety on the hard shoulder.

The entire first team, club officials and supporters were onboard at the time.

Chairman Colin Brookes said : “We had a good result on Saturday and everyone was in good spirits.

“Suddenly we heard an almighty noise and the next thing you know, Steve was battling to control the coach.

“We actually saw the wheels go bouncing past the windows and off down the motorway.

“I think everybody on board thought at that moment we were done for but somehow Steve managed to steer us safely to the hard shoulder.

“He tried to play it down afterwards but I can tell you a lot of people on board feel they owe their lives to him.”

June Jamieson, another of the passengers on board, added: “If it had been another driver I think we might have had it.

“Steve was incredible. How he steered and controlled that coach I will never know.

“When we saw the tyres go past the window, it was terrible. I’ve still not calmed down from the shock.”

Police were soon on the scene after passing motorists called to report the tyres bouncing down the carriageway.

A police spokesman confirmed a rolling road closure was put in place as all passengers were rescued from the hard shoulder.