Smith exit (From Halesowen News)

Smith exit

2:50pm Thursday 4th February 2010

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VETERAN full back Jamie Smith has left Halesowen Town after accepting a coaching role at Airbus UK.

The former Wolves and Crystal Palace man came close to moving to the Welsh Premier League outfit in December but opted to stay at the Grove.

However, the Chester-based Wingmakers have finally got their man and Smith will take up the job of player-coach.

Yeltz boss Matt Clarke said Smith was leaving on good terms.

He said: “We really wanted to keep him but Jamie has ambitions to be a coach and this move makes sense for him.

“He goes with our best wishes, he has been a long, long-time friend of mine.”

Clarke also confirmed Nigerian defender Henry Eze will be staying at the Grove for the time being.

The centre back was set to be released last week but the club have since had a change of heart.

Meanwhile, Clarke has been frustrated in his pursuit of Stourbridge centre back Sam Smith after the youngster opted to stay at Amblecote.

Clarke said: “The situation with Henry is that he is available to other clubs but will be doing us a favour for the time being.

“We have explained to him that he won’t be starting games, he will be in the squad until he finds another club.”

Last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bedford Town extended the Yeltz’s unbeaten run to 15 games across a period of four months, after they were last beaten at Banbury on October 3.

While fans may be scouring the record books, the Bedford result marked a third consecutive draw and a frustrated Clarke admits it will now take something special for them to mount a play-off challenge.

He said: “We thought we were in a great position three games ago but it just hasn’t happened for us.

“You accept a draw against Farnborough because they are a very tough team but the last two games have been disappointing.

“Everyone has games in hand on us and it will take something special for us to get back in the race.

“That said, if anybody had offered this position at the start of the season we would have bit their hands off.” The Yeltz now face trips to Hednesford Town on Saturday (3pm) and Evesham United on Tuesday (7.45pm).

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