MANAGER Paul Smith wants Bromsgrove Sporting to get back into the habit of winning games this weekend when they entertain Wolverhampton Sporting Community.
After three victories on the spin, the Rouslers were brought down to earth last Saturday with a 3-1 defeat at Southern Premier outfit Redditch United followed up by a 1-0 reverse at last season’s Midland League Premier Division champions Alvechurch on Tuesday.
Although pre-season games do not win points or championships, Smith stressed he wants his players to make winning a habit.
However, he has warned his players they cannot just turn up and expect to beat their West Midlands Premier Division opponents tomorrow (Saturday) at the Victoria Ground.
“I always do my homework and Wolverhampton are a big and strong side so we are going to have to take them seriously to get something out the game,” he said.
“Pre-season is a double-edged sword because you don’t get points or titles but it is always nice to win games as it becomes a habit.
“We have lost our last two games, albeit against higher level opposition, so it is important to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later.”
Smith will be without Jordan Jones (holiday) this weekend and will no longer have the services of midfielder Keenan Meakin-Richards and defender Luke Edwards as the pair have decided to part ways due to squad competition.
Meakin-Richards has joined Sporting Khalsa while Edwards has returned to former club Coleshill Town where he made more than 200 appearances before joining the Rouslers last summer.
Meanwhile, long-serving skipper Craig Jones and promising defender Ben Birch have signed forms with Sporting for the upcoming season.
“There was never a problem with getting Craig on board,” Smith said.
“I have a great working relationship with him but we just needed to sit down and go through the forms.
“He is the only surviving player left at the club since I walked through the door which shows how much he means to me and how good of a player he actually is.
“Craig is a big part of my plans and it is great to have him on board as well as Ben.”
Sporting have also had their application to take part in the Birmingham FA Senior Challenge Cup accepted.
They could face the likes of Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion or League sides Wolverhampton Wanderers, Walsall, Burton Albion or Coventry City.
The Rouslers will also contest the Worcestershire Senior Urn as normal.
“The Birmingham Senior Cup is a very prestigious tournament and if we could draw one of the League clubs at home it will be a real glamour tie,” Smith added.
