Shearsby returns to Saints as Fogarty’s number two

In his previous spell as manager, Shearsby lifted the Birmingham County Midweek Floodlit Cup and added two top-three Midland Combination finishes in a golden period for the club.

He left at the end of the 2009/10 season to take a break from football, but was soon back as manager of Coventry Alliance side Stockton, a role that lasted less than a year.

Although he had been linked with the vacancy at Racing Club Warwick, the former Leamington striker said he had no hesitation in moving back to Banbury Road.

“When Luke phoned me, it was a no-brainer,” said Shearsby. “My heart is at Southam and everything is in place to build on a successful season. Hopefully, I can add a little more and help them over the line next time.”

He added: “Although I would have been interested in the [Racing Club] job, having spoken to Lee in the last week, it is not something that I would have taken on.

“Even if I had been offered it, I would have chosen Southam; it was not a role I was going to turn down.”

Shearsby brought in Fogarty from Massey Ferguson to be his assistant but the current Saints boss sees no problem with the roles being reversed.

“I approached Barry and invited him to rejoin us and be part of what we believe is a bright future at Southam,” said Fogarty.

“At our level, it’s not about who is number one or number two, but having the right pool of people with the right skills who can make things happen.

“He is a good motivator and brings a lot of enthusiasm to the job.”