PAUL Smith is hoping striker Chris Conway signs for Bromsgrove Sporting after impressing in pre-season.

The striker returned to his old club and scored in a 10-0 win at FC Stratford.

That was enough for Smith to make his move ahead of the 2016-17 season in Midlands Division One.

Smith is close to finalising his 23-man squad which is larger than the 18 had planned for.

That’s because a quartet of youngsters such as Lewis Kemp can also play for the under-21s, while coach Brendan Kelly and Jozef Jakab are also set to sign.

Smith said: “I am very happy with the squad and there is one more I am hoping to sign up.

“Chris has been excellent in pre-season, he’s been sharp and very good in training.

“But the squad is going to be bigger than I first planned, I initially wanted 18 but with four who can play at under-21s and Brendan and Jozef it will be more like 23 or 24.”

Sporting have wasted no signing players over the close season, with ex-Coleshill Town defender Luke Edwards signing last week.

Smith had been interested in Alvechurch’s Mark Smith, but cooled his interest when Edwards became available.

He added: “Luke is an experienced defender who has been very good at higher levels.

“This is the lowest level he’s ever played so we’re delighted to have got him.”

Last week Luke Dugmore, Dean Fisher, Lewis Kemp, Keenen Meakin-Richards, Sam Wills and Jack Wilson all put pen to paper.

Sean Brain (2), Sam Wills, Conway, Chris Lloyd (2), Aaron Roberts, Ross Kemp, Dayle Kenny and Keenan Meakin-Richards all scored in the 10-0 pre-season romp over Stratford.

They go to rivals Droitwich Spa on Saturday (3pm kick-off), followed by a clash at Alcester Town next Tuesday (7pm ko).

Smith added: “The players came back in reasonably good shape and I was very pleased with the performance on Saturday. The team spirit, has been very good.”

Sporting go to Heath Hayes in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on August 6.

In the FA Vase, Sporting go to Ellistown and Ibstock United in the first qualifying round on September 10.

l Season tickets are available in the bar at the Victoria Ground on Thursday evenings (8pm to 10pm) and Friday and Saturday mornings 10am to noon.