Mark Yates will take charge of Solihull Moors on a short-term deal until the end of the current campaign to help out his former club.

Yates will be joined at Solihull by his assistant Neil Howarth as they bid to help turn the fortunes of the Moors around.

They take over from Jimmy Shan who left his post in the wake of a 5 - 0 home defeat to Stockport County earlier this week. Glassboys Chairman, Andy Pountney said:

"We wish Mark and Neil all the best at Solihull during their short-term switch to the National League outfit. It's a great opportunity for them in the current circumstances with our own season curtailed and enables them to work and maintain a visible presence in the game.

”It suits all parties and we look forward to welcoming them back afterwards." 

The Solihull Moors statement announcing the development reads as follows: 

“Solihull Moors are delighted to announce the return of Mark Yates as the club’s manager.

“Yates has been appointed on a short-term contract until the end of the season and will be assisted by Neil Howarth.

“The pair have previously worked together at Kidderminster Harriers, Cheltenham Town, Macclesfield Town and, more recently, Stourbridge.

“The club would like to thank Stourbridge for their co-operation in allowing Mark and Neil to join us on a temporary basis whilst their league is suspended.”

In his first spell, Yates led the Moors to the ‘great escape’ in the 2017/18 season, winning 11 league games in a formidable second half of the campaign.

The club preserved its National League status against all odds, with Yates at the forefront of the upturn in results - now the 51-year-old is back on familiar ground. Upon his return to the Moors, Yates said:

“It’s great to be back. I’ve been asked to come back until the end of the season and I plan to make a big impact. 

“We’ve got some good players here and I want to get the best from them.

“The club know me, and I’ve worked with a few of the players and staff before. It was a surprise call but one I was delighted to take.”

Vice-Chairman Tim Murphy added:

“We feel that Mark is a solid appointment for the club at this time. 

“With his experience we hope he can build on the good work already done this season with the play-offs still firmly in our grasp.”