CHAIRMAN Barry Cromwell has praised the work of Keith Draper after he stepped down as Studley boss.

Draper resigned last week in the wake Studley's 5-1 defeat to Lichfield City.

He will still be involved with the club but has been replaced by his assistant Vaughan Pearshouse ahead of tonight's clash with Chelmsley Town and Saturday's trip to fifth-placed Hinckley AFC in another Midland League Division One contest.

A statement from Cromwell said: "Vaughan Pearshouse has taken on the role of manager and got a full squad to last Tuesday evening's abortive fixture at Heath Hayes. Matt Dorgan will be assisting in the coaching role and it is hoped that Keith will support in a number of aspects.

"I would like to place on record both mine and the committee's appreciation for the tremendous job Keith has done over the last 15 months in transforming Studley FC from a relegation battle to safety and County Cup winners last season.

"This season he has continued the progress with our rise into a top six side.

"We wish Vaughan all the best in the challenge that lays in front of Studley and he will have the full support of myself and the committee just as Keith had previously."