STEVE Pope has dismissed suggestions he is set for a return to Bromsgrove Rovers.

The central defender joined Halesowen Town in the summer after spending the final six games of last season in caretaker charge at the Victoria Ground.

Pope was seen at Rovers' 2-0 victory over Stourport Swifts on Monday ahead of turning out in Halesowen's 3-1 win against Tiverton that night, sparking rumours of a return.

But the former Rovers star told the Advertiser/Messenger there was no truth in the rumours and he was simply at the match after visiting relatives in the area.

He added: "I could not be happier at Halesowen, that is why I signed a contract. I enjoyed my time at Bromsgrove but it was time to move on."

And he moved quickly to quash any recurrence, saying he did not want these rumours surfacing every time he visits the Victoria Ground.

Chairman Tom Herbert yesterday (Tuesday) confirmed Pope was visiting friends at the match.

Rovers begin their quest for FA Cup glory this Saturday with a preliminary round trip to North Counties East Premier unbeaten leaders Shirebrook Town.

The Victoria Ground club reached the fourth qualifying round last season, losing out 2-1 at Whitby Town in a replay.

And boss Joe Jackson wants to see his side take their form into that match.

He said: "We have gone unbeaten in four games and picked up ten out of 12 points so it would be nice to keep that run going.

"Hopefully the lads will be relaxed, they have set themselves up for a decent game."

Not surprisingly, Jackson is happy after three wins in four games but he admits there is still more work to be done.

"We did say it was going to take a bit of time, the building of the side isn't completed yet but I am more than happy with the way things are going and the way things have progressed in the last week," he said.

"I am still looking for that performance that sends out the message to everybody.

"There's been indifferent performances but there was a great second half performance on Saturday and the same again on Monday."