GARY OWERS has returned for his second spell in charge of National League South side Bath City, replacing Lee Howells.
Howells left the club last month after a run of just two wins in 17 games and he was followed through the exit door by director of football Adie Britton.
The Romans had been interviewing potential new managers but have decided to go with a familiar face, Owers returning to Twerton Park ten years after leaving. He will be assisted by club legend Jim Rollo, who looked after the first team after Howells' departure.
Owers' first spell in charge – from October 2003 to May 2005 – ended with Bath finishing outside the Southern Premier play-offs on goal difference while also enjoying a run to the FA Cup second round.
He left the Romans at the end of the season to take over at Forest Green Rovers, spending just over a year in Gloucestershire before a brief spell in charge of Weston-super-Mare.
Assistant manager roles at Aldershot Town and Plymouth Argyle followed and Owers' most recent job in football was assisting Gateshead boss Malcom Crosby before he was sacked in November.
Owers said: “I am very pleased to be back and believe I can help the club in its current situation. I will look to strengthen the squad, spend time on the training ground and accumulate points. We need everybody's help and support to quickly turn around the club's fortunes.”
A club statement added: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Owers as the new manager of Bath City FC.
“Applications were received from a number of excellent candidates and following the interview process we decided that Gary, who is an excellent coach with extensive managerial experience, and has contacts within the game both locally and nationally, was the stand out candidate
“He will work alongside Jim Rollo, who is to remain at the club as assistant manager. Additionally the club would like to place on record its thanks to both Jim and Steve Philips for stepping in and looking after the team in the interim period.
“In a previous spell, Gary both played and managed the club before moving on to manage and coach a number of clubs at a higher level. He returns to the club with extensive experience which will be of enormous benefit as he begins the immediate task of improving results and retaining the club's National League status.
“Gary joins us at a very busy time with a number of important fixtures coming up, starting this Saturday at home to Whitehawk, so we ask all supporters to get behind Gary and the team and look forward to welcoming him to Twerton Park.”
