Paul Smith has stepped down as manager of Halesowen Town, the club has announced.

He has resigned to spend more time with his family after the deaths of both his father-in-law and father in quick succession.

In a statement posted on its website, the club said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce Paul Smith is stepping down from his role as manager of our football club. 

“He has had so much to deal with in this past year and needs time for himself and his family. 

“Paul has worked tirelessly for this club both on and off the field and has been a pleasure to work with. 

“He will be greatly missed and leaves us top the league. [Assistant manager] Martin [Sockett] and the backroom staff will take training tonight and also the game against Corby on Saturday.

“The club will make further announcements in due course.”

Smith leaves Halesowen having guided the club to the top of the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands, picking up 24 points out of a possible 30 from their opening ten games of the season.

The former Bromsgrove Sporting boss joined the Yeltz from Redditch United at the end of the 2018/19 season following Halesowen’s relegation. 

In a statement, Smith said: “Those that know me well will know that unfortunately I have lost my father in law, and more recently my father very quickly, the two people that followed my football journey since I started playing in 1993.

"It's had a profound effect on me, and one that I'm struggling to come to terms with.

“Managing at any level if you want to be successful is all encompassing and 24/7. 

”I've been fighting this for months now, to try and push through thinking it will get better, but unfortunately it hasn’t, and I can’t any further. 

”It would be a disservice to the club if I did so.

”I need to take some time out to look after myself, and come to terms with the loss and try and see a way forward. 

”I've had an incredible time at the club, and one I won't ever forget.  

“There are far too many people to thank individually, but the one I want to pick out being Keith McKenna. The relationship we have had from day one has been brilliant.

“I've met a friend for life, and rest assured he will continue to do everything he can alongside [chair] Karen [Brookes] to continue to push the club forward. 

”I'd like to thank my staff, the players past and present, the volunteers, directors, presidents, and most of all the fans, for all your support since I arrived. 

“To see the growth of the club from the day I arrived to now is mesmerising.

“I look forward to watching it grow again.”