ROUSLERS manager Brendan Kelly admits that his summer signings will have to be at their best to work their way into his team, after Sporting welcomed four new signings to the Victoria Ground in the space of a week.
Striker Shaquille McDonald put pen to paper on Tuesday as the most recent signing, arriving from Mickleover Sports, following deals for Stourbridge duo Robbie Thompson-Brown and Leon Broadhurst, and Rushall Olympic defender Joe Hull.
Kelly said he was delighted to welcome the new arrivals to the club, and believes each of them can contribute to the promotion-winning squad from last season.
“I’m very pleased, more so with the retained signings – all bar three of last season’s squad have re-signed, but talks are still ongoing with those players,” he said.
“They are very particular signings, we needed certain attributes in our squad and they’ve been carefully chosen.
“They’re all established at step three, and will add experience to our squad.”
He emphasised the importance of bringing in local players to Sporting, and said that the club were able to fend off a number of other teams for their signatures.
“There was a bit of work involved to bring them in, they had other options on the table, but they’re happy with a fresh challenge.
“We had positive discussions with them, they’re good characters and local players, it’s important to get local lads in who want to do well for the club and the local area.”
The Bromsgrove boss asked the new boys to make the most of playing for one of the best supported clubs in non-league, but warned them that it will be no easy task to force their way into his starting 11.
“Me and Andy sat down a few weeks ago and put a number on four of five new players – there’s not a lot wrong with the group from last season,” said Kelly.
“It’s up to the new lads to displace the team from last season and fight for places.
“We’ve strengthened in terms of experience and quality, this team has moved very fast, so it’s a new beginning for most of them.
“It’s a significant jump at step three in quality and resources compared to some of the more established clubs, but in terms of fan base we’re one of the best supported teams in the league.”
“It’s a blank canvas for us now, but we’re delighted with the signings so far.”
