STEVE Pope has paid tribute to Bromsgrove Rovers as a 'fabulous club' after finally completing his move to Halesowen Town.

Pope (pictured), aged 27, left the Victoria Ground this week to join up with Rovers' rivals in the Dr Martens Premier.

Yet he has fond memories of his three seasons with Rovers and has nothing but praise for the club.

He said: "I have a great relationship with everyone at the club from the directors to the tea lady - it's a fabulous club.

"I can't thank everyone enough at Bromsgrove, especially Tom Herbert. The football and fans have been great."

Pope, who lives in Stoke, managed against his new employers in a 0-0 draw while Rovers caretaker boss at the end of last season.

And he said his decision had been made for many reasons - not least to further his career.

"It was a mixture of all different reasons. Halesowen is closer to me for training on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and home games.

"You never say you won't go back but at the moment I need to play at the highest level possible."

But Pope's departure looks unlikely to spark a mass exit.

Boss Joe Jackson said: "We have signed three quarters of the squad from last year.

"We have got Andy Sinton and Mark Bellingham to speak to."

Among those already signed are Grant Beckett, Troy Douglin, Mark Benbow and Ross Collins.