The vastly experienced physio has spent the past 24 years working at Step 3 level and above of England's footballing pyramid, and arrived at the War Memorial Athletic Ground as part of Ian Long's new-look backroom team in July 2019 once he had been appointed as Stour boss from Alvechurch.

During his time with Stour, Gavin has played a part both on and off the pitch - he was actively involved with the club's Christmas visit to Russells Hall Hospital's children's ward in December 2019, as well as taking an active interest in the club's relations with the local community.

Upon leaving the club, Blackwell said: "I'm disappointed to be leaving the club, but that's the way football works, and Mark (Yates) explained to me that he wanted to go in a different direction.

"I've been in this situation before, and probably will be again at some point in the future. It's important that every manager has their own people around them - I fully understand that, and Mark is no different.

"People who work in football move on all the time - it's a fabric of the industry that we're all working in, so it's no big deal.

"Over the years, I've experienced both scenarios, as it were, and I was brought in here many years ago as part of Joe Jackson's management team, going on to win back-to-back Midland Football Alliance titles. It was a similar scenario when I joined the club last season when Ian (Long) had arrived at the club.

"I'm actively looking to get back into the game at the highest level possible, as soon as possible. I've worked 34 consecutive years in the game without a break - it's a way of life for me. I'm a football man, so hopefully I won't be out of the game too long.

"I'd like to wish Mark (Yates) and the coaching staff, whom I've enjoyed working with albeit for a short period of time, the players and supporters of Stourbridge Football Club the best of luck for the future.

"I've had a great connection with the supporters of the club, and I wish them every success for the upcoming season.

"Finally, I'd like to thank the Chairman (Andy Pountney) and the Board of Directors for their total support during my time here at the club," he added.