Stanway Rovers chairman Roy Brett says he is delighted to have two familiar faces back in charge for next season.

Rob Bate and Paul Symes will be taking the reins at the Hawthorns once again after a change of heart about their positions and the shock departure of Chris Tracey, who has gone to AFC Sudbury as assistant manager to former Colchester United star Nicky Smith.

Bate and Symes had stepped down as joint managers at Stanway at the end of last season, having led the team to their most successful-ever campaign in the Ridgeons League premier division, as they wanted to continue their playing careers.

The club appointed Tracey to continue the good work done by the duo, but he has now elected to head back to the King's Marsh, where he made 125 appearances as a player, as assistant to Smith.

Smith said: "It was a hard decision for Chris but his heart is at King's Marsh and I will be glad to have his experience to lean on in what will be a tough period for both us, and the club.

"I think we will do alright and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Tracey's departure left Rovers searching for a new manager for the second time in a matter of weeks, but they moved quickly in approaching Bate and Symes to take over once more and chairman Brett is delighted that they had agreed.

He said: "Due to the retraction of Chris Tracey from the job, after he was offered the Sudbury position, I spoke to Rob and Paul.

"We did not want to leave it a long time and had a meeting and welcome them back.

"I am happy to see them back in their positions after what was a wonderful season last year.

"We are glad to see them return as we did not want them to go in the first place."

Brett said he was happy that Bate and Symes would combine their managerial duties with playing.