BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith insists there will be no rush to appoint two new first team assistant managers following the departures of Martin Sockett and Nick Smith.
In a hammer-blow for the Rouslers, Smith announced on Sunday via social media his two assistants had left the club.
Martin, who lives in Bedworth, is now working in Northamptonshire and felt the extensive travelling to and from Bromsgrove would be too much while Nick wanted to take a sabbatical from footballing matters.
Despite their sudden departure, Smith told the Standard he is in no hurry to appoint his next assistants.
“I’ve had a couple of responses for the positions available but if I can’t find the right person, I’m more than capable of doing it myself until somebody is brought in,” he said.
“There’s no rush to bring people in. It’s hard being an assistant manager and I need people who I can trust but we will take our time.
“It will take as long as it takes.”
Despite the setback, Smith has been boosted by the news that the ever-present captain Craig Jones has agreed to stay at the club.
Jones joined a handful of players who have announced they will be staying at Sporting including goalkeeper Chris Jay and the attacking duo of Sam Wills and Dale Edwards.
Smith is also trying to retain the services of pacy winger Reece Hewitt and midfield maestro Liam Spink who are attracting the attention of clubs higher up the non-league pyramid.
“It’s great news to see Craig is staying at the club because he’s been here since I joined and we’ve become very close,” Smith said.
“Reece and Liam have been instrumental for us all season and I will be doing everything I can to keep them both at Sporting for next season.
“I’ve known Reece for five years now and brought Liam in from Redditch [United] at the start of the season so it would be a massive loss to see them go.”
Anyone interested in applying for the roles of assistant manager can email Smith at [email protected].
