HALESOWEN Town's pre-season programme will feature games against local rivals Stourbridge and National League North neighbours Kidderminster Harriers.

New boss Paul Smith will start preparations for the club's Southern League Division One Central campaign with a host of friendly fixtures in July.

They will start with the visit of Solihull Moors to the Grove on July 6 (3pm kick-off).

That will be followed by a trip to Boldmere on July 16.

Stourbridge visit on July 20, Harriers on July 27 and Alvechurch on July 30, all with a 3pm kick-off.

​The programme follows news that Smith has now named his new backroom team.

Former fans' favourite John Snape has accepted the role as assistant manager.

​Snape, who left his role as manager of Worcester City, made 284 appearances for the Yeltz between 1992 and 1998, scoring 25 goals.

​Following his arrival, he said: “I’m delighted to be back at the club, a club that means a lot to me. Added to that to be working alongside a top young manager in Paul I feel there are exciting times ahead for the club, I can’t wait to play my part.”

​Craig Nicholls will be joining the Yeltz as first team coach after a similar role under Smith at Redditch United.

Completing the backroom staff will be goalkeeping coach Josh Coney, who again was with Smith at the Reds.

​Smith added: “As soon as I arrived, it was very important that I secured these two coaches. I took them into my previous club with me, their coaching methods and ideas are the best that I have ever worked with.

"They are two hard working, driven, ambitious coaches that are meticulous in their work. They will be instrumental in our push for success this coming season.”

​Physio Gavin Blackwell will continue to be part of the backroom set-up. However, Richard Evans-Hadley and Craig Harris have now left the club.​