Paul Milsom is back in Southern League football –as the new assistant manager of Paulton Rovers.

Milsom's appointment by Paulton manager Andrew Jones comes less than six months after he was axed as boss of Mangotsfield United.

Jones moved quickly to sign the popular Milsom, who is based in Whitchurch, after long-serving second-in-command Steve Tovey left the north Somerset club.

Jones immediately got in contact with Milsom and not only offered him the assistant's job but also signed him on as a player and will be looking for him to force his way into the team as well next season.

"Once I knew Steve was going to step down I got in contact with Paul and I am delighted he has decided to join us," said Jones.

"He is just the sort of man I need at the club. As a player he is a big, physical man with a big presence on the pitch and will offer us a lot up front.

"In the dressing room and on the training pitch he will also command respect as an ex-pro at Bristol City and having had experience with top local non-league clubs like Bath City and Chippenham Town.

"I believe his strengths will complement mine and I am really looking forward to working with him."

Jones will also be calling upon Milsom's extensive contacts in the game to help strengthen a Paulton side that suffered a disappointing end to the season, failing to make the play-offs and losing the Somerset Premier Cup final to Toolstation League side Frome Town.

"Paulton is a very well-run club and I am excited about joining them," said Milsom.

"I know Andy was disappointed with the way the season went and you talk to people in the game and they say the players probably under-achieved.

"But there is a very good nucleus there and we'll give it another good go next season."

Milsom was forced to curtail his playing ambitions at Mangotsfield after suffering dizzy spells that required extensive tests before he was finally given the all-clear to return to action.

"When I left Mangotsfield I had a few games with my mates at Hanham in the County League and then finished the season at Almondsbury Town," added Milsom.

"I really wanted to get back playing and while my place will depend on how I perform I am really looking forward to the challenge."