BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith believes he's becoming too soft-hearted after summoning his players back in for pre-season training last Saturday.

The players suffered in the sweltering heat at Sanders Park as they were put through their paces.

Such was the intensity of the heat, that Smith was forced to cut short the session by 20 minutes.

Smithg said: "We normally train for an hour and a half but it was incredibly hot. I was quite impressed by how well the players got through the session. I normally get five or six of them who are sick at some point of the session, but this time, I only had two. It was quite disappointing.

"Either the players are getting fitter, or I'm becoming softer with them."

A total of 25 players turned out for the session including former Redditch United midfield man Max Loveridge and promising defender Ben Birch.

Birch has only recently returned from a spell in Australia and had a couple of games for Walsall Wood at the back end of the season, but he was previously with Northern Premier League side Stourbridge.

Smith confirmed: "Nothing has been finalised at the moment. We're just having a look at each other, but both players acquitted themselves really well."

The only players to miss the session were Joe Ward, Sam Wills and Josh Quaynor.

Sporting have now parted company with Andy Nicol, who has joined neighbours Studley.

Smith said: "Andy has been brilliant for me and scored some very important goals for this football club, but Andy's now at a stage in his career where he wants regular football, which is something that I understand but cannot offer him.

"He's not quite made the cut but I'm delighted he has joined Studley and everyone at Bromsgrove Sporting will wish him every success."

Nicol is the second player from last season's unbeaten squad to depart the Victoria Ground following Luke Shorthouse's switch to Atherstone.