After yesterdays confirmation that Dean Gill and his management team will take to the club into Step 5 for the first time next season, Dean has moved swiftly to add to add a new member to his team.

Everyone please welcome Ian Homer, someone with a wealth of experience in the recruitment and retention of young talent. Ian an ex professional footballer in his younger days, has an impressive CV having worked in the Academies at West Bromwich Albion and Walsall for a period of 5 seasons in total.

Last season he guided Halesowen Town U18’s to a mid-table finish in the Midlands Floodlit Junior Southern Premier Division against the likes of Gloucester City, Stourbridge and champions Kidderminster Harriers. Halesowen Town went on to win the Ray Mercer Memorial Cup beating Rushall Olympic in the final at the Grove 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time.

Ian is a highly qualified coach who holds a UEFA Level B licence as well as several youth qualifications. He is a member of the FA Licenced Coaches Club, and will bring a wealth of experience to Darlaston’s first team.

On the addition of Ian as Assistant Coach manager Dean Gill said “I would like to welcome Ian to the club, We have looked to improve our management & coaching offering to the players, I have lots of positive aspirations that we need good people to help formulate and ultimately deliver and I am sure Ian will play a part in that.

He is a positive disciplined pragmatist, strengths that support his wealth of experience and qualifications".

In speaking to Ian earlier today he said “The opportunity to join Darlaston was too good to turn down. Having mostly coached at professional clubs and age group football I’m looking forward to joining Deans coaching staff. As a club Darlaston has fantastic ambition and a structure to match. I’m excited about being part of that and contributing to continued success".

I am sure I speak for everyone at the club welcome to the family Ian, I really do hope you enjoy your time with us.