BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith suffered an unexpected bombshell this week with news that both his assistants Martin Sockett and Nick Smith are leaving the club.

Smith admitted: "This has come completely out of the blue and it's a bit of a shock to be losing both of them.

"I must admit it has caught me on the hop because I had no idea this was coming, especially as we've been together for some six to seven years.

"Martin has been relocated to Northamptonshire through his work and feels that travelling to Bromsgrove and back two or three times a week would be too much.

"Nick just said he wanted a break from football for a while.

"We all remain good friends, but it means I have to get new people in and I will be putting a short list together as quickly as possible.

"Although it's a blow losing both of them, it does open up an opportunity for someone else."

The irony of his assistants' departure follows a weekend together with the squad in Benidorm.

Smith said: "It's something we do every year after what has been a long, hard season. It's just nice to relax with everyone and have a few beers. That's what made Nick and Martin's decision such a surprise."

Sporting finished the season with a 19-strong squad and Smith plans to try and keep 12 of them for next season.

High on the list are Liam Spink and Reece Hewitt who have been attracting considerable interest from other clubs and Smith vowed: "I will be doing everything within my power to keep both of them at Bromsgrove."

Sporting have now confirmed a string on seven pre-season friendlies which start and finish against Southern League Premier side Stratford Town.

They comprise of: Saturday July 9 Stratford Town (A), Saturday July 16 Droitwich Spa (A), Tuesday July 19, Alcester Town (A), Saturday July 23 Sporting Khalsa (A), Tuesday July 26 Walsall Wood (H) and Saturday July 30 Stratford Town (H).

Anyone interested in applying for an assistant manager job at Bromsgrove Sporting should email: pdscontractflooringservices@hotmail.com