STRIKER Wade Malley is ready to hit the ground running after agreeing to join Bromsgrove Sporting from Racing Club Warwick.
The 23-year-old sharpshooter finished as Warwick’s top goalscorer last season, netting 28 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions.
Malley becomes Paul Smith’s sixth and final summer signing before pre-season gets underway on July 5 with an away trip to Chelmsley Town.
Highgate United, Hinckley AFC, Littleton and Wolverhampton Casuals were all interested in the young forward but Malley believed the set-up at the Victoria Ground was too good to turn down.
“When Paul told me how this club wants to progress, the offer was head and shoulders better than those I received from other teams,” he told the Standard.
“After seeing what Sporting did last year in the league and the FA Vase, it was a no-brainer to join.
“The manager has made some really good, strong signings so I think we can do quite well next season.”
With Rouslers fans having an affinity with their strikers, Malley is aware of the pressure which he could be subject to if he doesn’t perform week in, week out.
But the 6ft 2″ forward is confident he can rise to the challenge.
“On a personal level I just want to score more goals than I did last year,” he added.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running and bang some goals in for the fans.
“The support Bromsgrove receive at this level of football is phenomenal and I can’t wait to be a part of it all.”
The signing of Malley comes after former Nuneaton Town striker Luke Shorthouse agreed to depart the Victoria Ground for Ivor Green’s Atherstone Town.
Sporting boss Smith believes his latest addition to last season’s ‘Invincible’ Midland League Division One champions has all the potential to achieve great things.
“If Wade can live up to the expectations from the Bromsgrove fans, I firmly believe this season he can perform like Jason Cowley did last year,” he said.
“I rate him that highly.
“He has two good feet, he is good in the air, has an eye for goal and is very energetic.
“Not only does he score goals, but he assists a lot too.”
Smith now says he will be using the first three pre-season friendlies next month to get to grips with his 28-man squad before reducing the team down to 18 for their inaugural year in the Midland League Premier Division.
The Rouslers manager added he will be looking at a few trailists in that period.
