SIMON Redhead has made a shock return to Redditch United just 12 months after being sacked as manager.

Redhead was unveiled as the club's new boss this morning, with former club captain Asa Charlton his assistant.

He replaces Graham Hyde, who resigned as manager at the beginning of last week. A third member of the new management team is expected to be announced at a later date.

It marks a remarkable return for former Alvechurch boss Redhead, who joined the Reds in February last year as the club was suffering a huge financial crisis before current chairman Chris Swan’s takeover.

He was unable to prevent the club being relegated from Conference North and was shown the door by Swan at the season’s end after failing to win any of his 15 games in charge.

Since then, Martin Sockett, Mark Fenemore and Graham Hyde have all managed the club and after a disappointing first season in the Southern League Premier, Swan now feels Redhead is the man to take the club forward.

Full-back Charlton enjoyed two spells as a player at the Valley but will take his first steps into management after playing for Leamington last year.

More detail and reaction to follow.