FC Halifax Town: Solihull appoint new manager ahead of Saturday’s visit to The Shay

Jimmy Shan left his role as Solihull boss on Wednesday after a run of just one win in 10 games. Their latest defeat was a 5-0 home thrashing by Stockport on Tuesday night.

And Yates has now been appointed on a short-term deal until the end of the season, assisted by Neil Howarth.

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

In a statement on their club website, Solihull said: “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.”

Yates told the club website: “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.”