Draper delight at promotion (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Draper delight at promotion

8:00am Thursday 21st June 2012 in Sport

KEITH Draper says the phone has not stopped ringing since Bromsgrove Sporting’s promotion was announced.

The Rouslers were included in the Midland Combination Premier Division’s provisional line-up for next season last Friday.

And Draper says he has been inundated with enquiries from players interested in a move to the Victoria Ground.

He said: “It’s been incredible really, I think we would be able to field four teams if we wanted to.

“We’ve had so many players get in touch the phone has not stopped ringing.

“I’m absolutely delighted and it’s fantastic news for the club to have Premier Division football.

“We are in a good position. We had 24 lads turn up for training on Monday and I’m expecting more by the end of the week.”

Draper is excited about the players he is bringing in and revealed Jamie McWilliams, the former Alvechurch joint-manager, is among them.

He added: “Jamie will play in the centre of midfield.

“He has great experience at a higher level and will be great for the club.

“Four of the lads we have brought in have experience in the Midland Alliance and I think the names will surprise a few people.”

Sporting finished third in Division One last term but due to the small number of teams in last season’s Premier Division meant promotion was always likely.

The proposals could still be amended up until they are ratified at the league’s AGM on Monday.

Chairman John Teece said: “This is excellent news and is the second successive season when we will have gained promotion.

“It also reflects great credit on our management, Stewart Brighton at the start of the season followed by the team headed by Keith for the remainder.

“I would like to thank everybody who works behind the scenes at the Victoria Ground.”

Fans will get the chance to quiz Draper about his plans for the new season on Thursday, June 28 at an open forum, which takes place at the club from 6.30pm.

Close season work is continuing with improvements to the pitch and maintenance of spectator facilities. Anybody wishing to help out with the various jobs should turn up at 5.30pm. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. More information by calling 01527 876949.

The club is also set to hold a Sportmans Evening with former Liverpool star and Kidderminster Harriers manager Jan Molby on Friday, July 6. Tickets which include a luxury buffet supper are £20 and available from the club.