Halesowen Town manager Morrell Maison proved patience is a virtue after finally snapping up centre-half Michael Briscoe after a two-month chase.

The 25-year-old defender joined the Yeltz prior to last Friday’s 2-0 win at home to a young Walsall side and followed up his impressive debut with an accomplished showing in a 3-3 draw at home to Kettering Town on Tuesday evening.

Maison admitted he was delighted to have the former Macclesfield and Tamworth man on board.

He said: “I really think he will be a great signing for us.

“He’s a player I have been chasing all summer so to finally get him is of great relief.

“A lot of clubs have been after his signature and I know Tamworth were very keen to keep him as well as Salisbury with whom he’s been training with so for him drop down a league to join us is a major coup.

“He ticks all the right boxes and he gives us that reassurance at the back we have probably beenmissing.”

The boss also confirmed a deal had been struck in principal to keep 19-year-old centre back Tom Bryant at the club.

The youngster who has been on trial at the Grove since he was released by Gillingham has grown in stature throughout pre-season and is set to sign in the next 48 hours.

Maison also stated he was hoping to sign up another central defender before they kick-off their BGB Premier Division season at home to Tiverton on Saturday August 16.

One player who will not be returning to Halesowen is Eldon Maquemba after he agreed to join Cypriot Division Two outfit Olympiakos Nicosia.

Meanwhile, former Yeltz duo Decio Gomes and Ludovic Quistan have joined Hednesford Town.

Halesowen have agreed a deal with fellow BGB Premier Division rivals Stourbridge to host their opening three home fixtures.

The Glassboys are unable to play any home games at the War Memorial until Stourbridge Cricket Club, who they share the ground with, finish their season.

Yeltz officials are currently busy attempting to arrange a couple more freindlies before the season starts with next Tuesday’s clash with Two Gates (7pm kick-off) the only game scheduled between now and then.

The game will be played at Homer Hill Park in a bid to raise cash for the facility and will feature a cameo performance from sports editor Greg Shelton.

The part-time Sunday morning clogger has been signed up by Maison for his one and only Yeltz appearance(one too many!).