ADRIAN Mander will take charge of Studley after being given the job last week.

Mander was handed the reins at the Bees after a successful interview with chairman Barry Cromwell and chairman Dave Richardson.

He takes control this week ahead of Saturday’s league clash at Highgate United (3pm ko), following a pre-booked break away over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Mander replacesPaul Smith, who was named manager of Bromsgrove Sporting last week.

Ironically, Smith succeeded Mander after he had resigned from the club following a bust-up with Bromsgrove committee member John Prescott.

The new Bees boss comes with a good reputation after guiding Bromsgrove to second place last season.

He said: “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come straight back into football but after talking with Studley’s chairman I was persuaded.

“They’ve got a good squad here and I would like improve on what I managed last season.”

Studley chairman Barry Cromwell said: “After talking to Adrian we were impressed by his track record at Bromsgrove and by him as a person. We welcome him to the club."

Martin Sockett was in charge for Saturday’s 5-2 defeat to Littleton in the Midland Football League Division One, while Monday’s clash at Stafford Town was postponed.

The Bees look set to bring in Mander’s son Brett from Sporting, while Studley skipper Sam Wills has moved the other way.