BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith has expressed his delight after agreeing terms with former Pilkington XXX winger Dayle Kenny.
The 23-year-old pace ace made 36 appearances for the Pilks last season and was reportedly on his way to join Ian Long at Midland League Premier side Alvechurch but the forward has instead pledged his allegiance to Sporting.
Although players cannot officially sign until July 1, the former Birmingham City and Stourbridge man is the fifth player to strike a deal with the Rouslers boss this summer.
Sporting fans will remember Kenny well as he helped the Pilks to a 2-1 victory over the Rouslers at the Victoria Ground in the final of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup.
Providing circumstances don’t change, Kenny will join up with former Redditch United midfielder Robbie Bunn, Lichfield City’s top scorer Tony Clarke, City’s young defender Joe Haines and Chelmsley Town’s top goalscorer Chris Lloyd.
“It’s great news to bring Kenny to the club and I’m looking forward to working with him,” Smith said.
“He’s at a good age and he’s another exciting prospect. I expect him to perform even better than last season.
“As a winger, I’m not expecting him to replace Reece [Hewitt]. Reece’s ability was out of this world but I’m not saying Kenny will be a direct replacement.
“I can’t put that pressure on the lad’s shoulders. He’s got his very own style of play and will bring something different to the squad.
“I’m over the moon with the deals I have done and I am really looking forward to next season as we have got bags of pace in the wide areas and plenty of goalscoring talent.”
Smith is still on the look-out to bring in two more players to his squad and confirmed the departing Alvechurch duo of Sam Williams and Karl Edwards will not be joining as they’re in talks with Walsall Wood.
A deal for Tividale’s prolific striker Chris Sterling has fallen through after he joined up with Sutton Coldfield Town but talks with Lichfield City’s Keenan Meakin-Richards remain positive.
“I’m not going to be bringing in players who are coming just for the money,” Smith added.
“Players seem to think now that we’ve got the Worcester City ground-share they can hold me to ransom.
“That’s not going to be the case as I want players who will play for the club and for me. It’s a huge part of the ethos at this club.
“I’ve been banging my head up against a brick wall with some of the demands players are asking for.
“Expenses come second and all players I have brought into this club have shown that.”
Sporting return to pre-season training on Thursday with 32 players invited to attend including fan favourite Chris Conway and Chasetown’s Marco Adaggio.
Five of Sporting’s youth talent have also been invited to showcase their skill ahead of the new campaign.
“After five weeks of madness I’m really looking forward to putting the boots back on,” Smith said.
“Chris suggested to me he is at a good level of fitness and that he’s sorted his work commitments out so I’ve invited him along to training.
“Chris and Marco are two very good strikers and I’ll be putting them through their paces.
“A few of the youth team players are coming along too so there’s plenty to be optimistic about.
“Everybody who has been invited back has a clean slate and hopefully all the players catch my eye.”
