Michael joined the Bluebells in the summer of 2020 and very quickly built a squad in the short time available before the season start.

Due to COVID that season was curtailed so it wasn’t until 2021/22 that he was able to fully demonstrate his quality and this year he successfully delivered beyond the priorities he was given at the start of his tenure, which was to consolidate the club’s standing in the Premier Division South and be successful in the Emirates FA Cup.

When Michael indicated that he was considering moving on, the chairman and director of football worked hard to keep him at the club but respected his decision to move on.

In a statement to the club, Michael said: "Thank you to all the Bluebells directors, officials and supporters for your support over the season, it’s been an absolute pleasure to manage Yate Town Football Club. I am incredibly proud to have been the manager of this football club for two seasons, albeit with one curtailed very early on due to the pandemic. I’d like to thank Colin Pick and Richard Thompson for putting their faith in me, making the appointment in the summer of 2020 and for their support ever since.”

Michael from Abercarn – 27 minutes or so from Merthyr - will be joined at the Met Coaches Stadium by Andrew Smith as the club's new assistant manager, with the rest of the backroom staff to be confirmed in due course.

Michael and his staff will now start their new tenure in charge, with the football club looking to return to the Premier Division South as soon as possible.

Martyrs` chairman Les Barlow said: “We are delighted with the appointment of Paul Michael as our new head coach.

“He very much fits the profile of a young and hungry coach who wants to succeed, and he is more than ready for the opportunity."

Michael added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here.

“I’ve always looked at Merthyr Town as a massive football club, so when the offer became available to join and create even more history at this football club, it was something I could not turn down.

“I’m just really excited to get started now from today, and ready for the challenge ahead.”

Yate are now inviting applications for the managerial position.

Please send applications to the director of football Richard Thompson at richardthompson5@blueyonder.co.uk.

Applications must be received before Friday 6th May 2022.