Darby delight as key duo agree to stay on

10:03am Wednesday 14th May 2008

BROMSGROVE Rovers have been handed a massive boost, with players of the season Sam Alsop and Karl Lewis committing to the club for next season.

Alsop was the standout figure in Rovers' midfield throughout last season, and he was recently rewarded for his consistant displays with the players' player of the season award.

Last week Neil Hunt, boss of the Greens' BGB Midlands One rivals Stourport Swifts, revealed he had made an offer to the former Birmingham City trainee.

"I have spoken to Sam about coming to the club," said Hunt.

"He's had a great season at Bromsgrove Rovers and we want to show that Stourport Swifts is going in the right direction."

However, Darby was delighted after Alsop and goalkeeper Lewis, who was voted the Rovers supporters' player of the season, agreed to stay put.

With Dean Curtis and Leigh Downing also signed up for next season and veteran centre-back Daryl Burgess close to agreeing a deal to become player-assistant manager, the Greens boss believes his side is beginning to take shape.

Darby said: "The two best players we had last season have agreed to sign and help us get back up.

"It shows the players want to be loyal and get us back up there.

"I think they feel the same as I do. We let a lot of people down last year and we want to put that right.

"I think it shows a few people we are seriously doing what we want to do."

Darby hopes the commitment shown by his star men will help sway other players into following suite.

Matt Birley is among those the manager is desperate to keep, amid reports the influential winger has been sounded out about a move to Worcester City.

On the striking front, Richard Ball has returned to Redditch United after his injury-blighted loan spell.

Ball is still under contract at the Valley but Rovers are watching his situation.

Darby added: "We are very hopeful we can get Matt Birley to sign for us.

"We have offered Matt a deal. We want to keep Matt because we want to keep our best players, we have shown that with Karl and Sam.

"I would love him to stay and get us straight back up.

"Richard Ball has gone back to Redditch and we will be monitoring that situation with his contract."

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