PAUL Smith continues to strengthen his Bromsgrove Sporting squad as they go in search of glory this season.

Smith has snapped up Redditch United midfield man Liam Spink as a replacement for the departing Nathan Walker who has switched to Midland Premier Division side Highgate United.

Liam is the twin of current Bromsgrove Sporting player Ryan Spink who is currently on the sidelines as he recovers from a damaged cruciate ligament.

Busy Smith has also brought in wideman Nathan Hands who has returned to hometown Bromsgrove after playing full time football in Sweden.

Both players are eligible to feature in the FA Vase along with another recent addition Luke Shorthouse following his capture from higher ranked Coleshill Town.

Smith said: "I've been looking to boost the midfield. I've got Robbie Bunn, Sam Wills, Keenan Meaker-Richards and Reece Hewitt who can all play in that area.

"But since Nathan Walker left, it only needs one to drop out and I'm stretched in that department. Liam is a player full of energy and he will get forward at every opportunity.

"Nathan is back in Bromsgrove until March. He used to play for me as a youth at Earlswood Town and got in touch with me.

"His agent got him fixed up with Sporting Khalsa, but their manager Ian Rowe has offered to waive the seven days and he should be available to play in the Boxing Day game against Studley.

"Nathan has already been training with us. I've been hankering after a winger ever since we lost Dale Edwards to Highgate, especially as Will Tibbetts is currently restricted to the amount of games he can play owing to work commitments."

Smith accepted this week's 3-2 win over Chelmsley Town was no classic and added: "We weren't at our best, but you can only take a maximum three points out of the game and that's what we got.

"We lost concentration a couple of times and I've told the players they must keep going for 95 minutes, not just 90.

"It's going to be difficult because every side that comes to the Victoria Ground from now on will want to raise their game. We're so-called title contenders and everyone wants to turn us over."

Smith heads for former club Studley on Boxing Day and insists the hosts lowly position will count for nothing.

He added: "It's a local derby and Studley will be like a wounded animal after being beaten heavily by Hinckley.

"They will be well organised and we will need to be at our best to get a result."