FORMER Stourbridge boss Gary Hackett has picked his three favourite moments from a remarkable 16-year spell at the War Memorial Ground.

Hackett, along with his backroom team of Jon Ford, Mark Clifton, Steve Johnson and Richard Drewett, have now left the helm following last weekend's 2-1 play-off defeat at Alvechurch.

He took charge in May 2003 and guided the club to two promotions, five runs to and beyond the first round of the FA Cup during a fine spell.

Hackett said: "Stour will always be in my heart but my gut feeling was telling me that the time is right.

"I'm just very proud of what the club has achieved and I've been bowled over my the messages of good will that I've received.

"I couldn't have done it without the support over the years from those that have worked so closely with me, especially my management team who picked me up and were there whenever I needed them.

"We've had some great times together at the club."

His top three moments were:

FA Cup third round - Wycombe Wanderers - 07/01/2017.

Wycombe 2, Stourbridge 1

The Glassboys reached the third round of the FA Cup and were the lowest ranked side left in the competition when they suffered a narrow loss at Adams Park in 2017.

Dan Scarr equalised in the 70th minute for Stour to send the travelling fans into raptures.

The hosts eventually went on to bag an 83rd minute winner but the clash still went down as a memorable one for the club.

Hackett said: "Wycombe in the FA Cup is the obvious one really.

"Without doubt it is the big highlight of my time at the club.

"To see 3,000 Stourbridge fans there cheering us on was something else. Does it get any better than that?

"I've had people who support other teams that were there that day and they tell me it was their best day in football too.

"To be part of that was so special."

Leamington - Southern Midland Division play-off final - 03/05/2008.

Leamington 1, Stourbridge 2

The Glassboys returned to Southern League Premier for the first time in 24 years following a thrilling 2-1 win over Leamington in 2008.

Stour went behind in the game before central defender Nathan Bennett levelled. Club stalwart Leon Broadhurst netted in extra time to secure promotion for the men from Amblecote.

Hackett said: "I think that is one game that tends to go under the radar a little bit to be honest.

"That game was the start of something and it was a big moment for the club.

"To win it in the 109th minute was brilliant and I'll remember that for a long time.

"It was great for someone like Leon to get the winner, especially all the games he's played for me and the club since."

Plymouth - FA Cup first round - 22/11/2011.

Stourbridge 2, Plymouth 0

The Glassboys drew 3-3 away before bagging a 2-0 replay victory at the War Memorial Ground.

Paul McCone headed Stour into the lead before the historic win was sealed by Sean Evans late on.

Hackett added: "The third would be those games in the FA Cup against Plymouth.

"The support we took to Plymouth was amazing and to follow that up at the War Memorial Ground and to perform how we did in front of the TV cameras as a big highlight and really resonates with me still.

"Those FA Cup moments really stand out for me. If you think back to when we beat Buxton in the fourth qualifying round, we'd never been that far before.

"Those were different times, harder times, when they club didn't have the people on board that it has now and the investment wasn't there.

"It reminds me of the amazing amount of work that a lot of people have put in to get to the position the club is in now.

"It's a settled club and will be a great opportunity for whoever replaces me. I'm just proud to have done what I've done."