IT is an open secret that ‘the Rod Brown factor’ was the main reason behind Kevin Banner’s swift return to Bromsgrove Rovers.

No sooner had Brown been re-appointed as boss of the BGB Division One Midlands club, had he moved to re-sign the fans’ favourite.

Banner departed the Victoria Ground in the summer after eight seasons and more than 300 appearances, opting to join up with Brown at Rugby Town.

But after just five appearances for Rugby, he is back to make the left side of the Greens’ midfield his own again.

And Banner admitted his manager’s move back to Rovers helped shape his decision to follow suite.

He said: “I had a feeling I would come back, but I wasn’t expecting it to be this soon.

“It is no secret that I like working with Rod and I think he likes working with me because he’s taken me with him wherever he’s been.

“Also, with Rod leaving and Lee Phillips the goalkeeping coach leaving as well, we all shared lifts together so travelling to Rugby was becoming a bit difficult.”

Banner will be fully aware that Rovers need to chalk up points quickly if they are to reignite their season.

But the play-offs are far from out of the question, according to the winger who played an intergral part in the club’s 2006-07 promotion.

He added: “If Rod has half the impact he had last time we will have a good season.

“I think it is the atmosphere he creates in the changing room. His record speaks for itself.

“If we don’t make the play-offs I think it will be a disappointing season.”