BROMSGROVE Sporting manager Paul Smith paid tribute to departing chairman John Teece.

Teece, 74, announced he is standing down as the man in charge at the Victoria Ground last week, although he is to remain on the committee with a remit to look after the club’s finances.

But Smith admitted he is ‘devastated’ to see the experienced businessman step down as the club’s figure head.

Sporting will convene a full committee meeting when every member is back from holiday to name a successor and may in the meantime name an acting chairman.

Smith said: “I am truly devastated to see John step down as chairman.

“He was one of the big reasons why I came to the club and has been my biggest supporter.

“In the summer two clubs were interested in bringing me in but I spoke to John and that convinced me to stay at Sporting.

“He’s the best chairman I have every worked with and my conduit to the board, I hope he intends to stay on.”

Meanwhile, Bromsgrove kicked-off their friendly programme with a 7-4 win over FC Stratford on Saturday, with Luke Corbett (2), Reece Hewitt, Umit Eminoglu, Luke Dugmore and Sam Wills scoring.

Sporting go to Cradley Town on Saturday (3pm ko) and then have their first home game next Tuesday against Stratford Town (7.45pm ko).

Defenders Craig Jones and Scott Smith have also agreed to re-sign for the Rouslers. Together with Simon Fitter, the pair forged one of the best defences in the Midlands Division One.

Joe Adams has also committed himself to the club, while Ollie Gibson and James Poulter has also agreed to play for Bromsgrove.

Smith said: “Scott and Craig were very solid with Simon last season, so I am very pleased to have them back.

“The first pre-season game went well and we’ve got 32 players all pushing to earn a place in a squad 19.

"It was good to see a few goals scored against Stratford and overall I was very pleased with workout."