Simon Line today confirmed his return to manage Market Drayton Town, insisting: “I’m as ambitious as ever.”

Line guided Drayton to two promotions in four seasons before leaving the UniBond League division one south club in October to take up the reins at Hednesford Town.

But, as first reported in the Shropshire Star yesterday, he has returned to Greenfields after a little less than four months. Current boss Andy Pryce will stay on as his deputy.

Pryce will remain in charge for this Saturday’s game at Stamford, with Line taking over duties from next Thursday.

“One of the issues was the job at Hednesford took up too much of my time,” Line revealed.

“I’ve got a full-time teaching job and a family that is growing up very quickly.

“Drayton fits into everything very well and that’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned.

“I’m still ambitious and there’s a very vibrant committee at Drayton now. They’re not people to sit around and do nothing and they will keep taking this club forward.”

Line’s return signals an end to a turbulent spell at Drayton, who have had three different managers – Lee Roberts, Matt Burton and Pryce – since his departure.

The former Crystal Palace player left to test himself at a higher level, but admitted to being disappointed by his time in charge of the Pitmen.

“Without being disrespectful to Hednesford Town, it didn’t turn out to be the kind of football club where I wanted to spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he added. “Market Drayton may not have much in terms of bricks and mortar, but it makes up for it in every other way.”

Line is coming back to a club that remains in the top half of the table and in touching distance of the play-off places.

“Realistically, if we can stay in and around the top eight then that would be a great base to build on for next season,” he added.