IAN Long has made sensational return as Alvechurch manager - barely 48 hours after leaving the Stourbridge hotseat.

Long, who parted ways with the promotion-chasing Glassboys 'by mutual consent' on Monday, was reappointed to the Church job this morning.

He has also brought his management team members Rich Colwell and Chris Walwyn with him, and has asked to retain the services of current number two Matt Kirby as they prepare for the task of staving off relegation for the Lye Meadow club.

Goalkeeping coach Neil Reeves, however, will not be staying on.

Long left Church at the end of last season, having guided the club to within an ace of play-off glory - but they currently sit second from bottom in the Southern League Premier Central Division, with just four wins and 20 defeats from 29 league games to date this term.

His first game back in charge comes on Saturday as Alvechurch travel to third-from-bottom St Ives Town in a relegation battle six-pointer.