Duo are back at AFC Bridgnorth

The duo have both managed the club previously but will now work in tandem at Crown Meadow.

They will replace Pete Whitehouse in the dugout following his decision to step down last month.

Chairman Mark Weale admitted the club had received a number of applications, but believes Heseltine and Groome are best equipped to take the club forward as they prepare for next season’s campaign in Division One of the Midland League.

“We had a couple of games after Pete left and the players were led and by Steve Groome and Kevin Helseltine,” said Weale.

“And they went really well. The players were really happy, the atmosphere was very good and everyone was buzzing.

“And although Steve and Kev have previously managed the club individually, they have never worked together.

“But it worked well and both of them are happy to continue. So we have made the decision that them working as a partnership is the way forward.

“And now we are looking forward to starting the season with those two at the helm.

“It’s a nice appointment for us. Both of them are committee members and are long members of the club. They have a vested interest in the place.

“We did have some applications but nothing that immediately leapt out at us. There was nothing on the table that we thought was better than we already had.

“Once that period of consolation had gone it simplified the decision really.

“They are happy to do it and the players we had assembled are happy to continue and we are happy to give them the opportunity.

“We hope it goes well and they can turn us into a successful team.”

And the duo will have a fresh challenge with Bridgnorth competing the Midland League next season following the restructure of the non-league game.

“It gives us a bit more travelling to do up to Leicester and the other side of Warwickshire,” added Weale.

“But it could have been worse. There were two other options – the North West Counties and the Hellenic League – and those would have involved considerable travelling.”