STOURPORT Swifts will welcome in a brand new era on Saturday when Mark Phillips takes charge of the side against visitors Boldmere St Michaels.

Caretaker boss Dave Connell bowed out this week on the back of a 2-0 win against AFC Wulfrunians where James Baldwin and Jamie Willetts hit the target.

Chairman Chris Reynolds praised Connell’s contribution and insisted: “It was really good of Dave to stay on. He could have left when previous manager Rod Brown went and I’m really grateful to him. We had a little presentation for him afterwards as a thank-you.”

Phillips, who was previously boss of Dudley Town Under-21s, will be assisted by John Dowdesley, while a new consortium comprising former players and local businessmen will also move on board with Swifts.

Busy Swifts have also reached a deal with Kidderminster side Chainwire, who will be incorporated into the club.

As a result, Swifts will be running an Under-21s and a Sunday side as well.

In the West Midlands Regional League, Bewdley Town suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Dudley Town on Saturday and 2-0 to Shifnal on Tuesday night.

They go to Haughmond this weekend (3pm ko) and then on Tuesday they entertain Ellesmere Rangers on Tuesday.