BROMSGROVE Sporting manager Paul Smith has said he's closing in on replacements for a trio of departed players.

Smith was set to run the rule over several new faces when pre-season training commenced last night.

He will be looking for a right-back and midfielder after the departure of three players from last season's squad.

Jack Wilson and Daniel Morris has opted to join Bromsgrove's Midlands Division One rivals Lichfield City, after the Staffordshire club made them generous financial offers.

Popular right-back Chris Duggan has also left the club after two years, looking for a new team where will play regularly.

Smith said: "I wish Chris all the best, he was a great guy to work with.

"He didn't start many games last season so he wants to find a club and make a fresh start, so we wish him the best of luck.

"Lichfield are serious about challenging for the league title this year and made Jack and Danny offers they simply couldn't refuse.

"People look at the crowds we get at Sporting and assume we'll be the biggest spenders but the budget here is similar to the one I had at Studley.

"The club has bills to pay and the £2,000 a month rent, so it has financial obligations.

"Players come to the club because they want to play for me and in front of a big crowd.

"But there are clubs like Bolehall, Lichfield and Hinckley who are spending big."

He added: "But I have a little black book with lists of players I know or ones I have identified.

"So it is a shame to lose those players, I have irons in the fire who will attend training."

Club are free to start registering players but they won't be ratified until the start of July.

Meanwhile, former Sporting youth team player Jordan Gibson has signed a professional contract with Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers.

Gibson played for Sporting's youth team but had also played for Santiago Colts.