BROMSGROVE Sporting manager Paul Smith has warned prospective new signings that the club will not be held to ransom.

The Rouslers boss has become frustrated with several players from last season and potential new faces who have tried to play the club off with several other interested teams.

But Smith had given those playing hard ball with him the deadline of yesterday to either sign-up or move on.

He said: "In my opinion, Bromsgrove Sporting are one of the best clubs to play at our level of the next one about in this region.

"The stadium is excellent and the fans are second to none.

"We only play travel expenses and the club works on a budget but it's a fantastic club to play for.

"So I am not very happy that several players have tried to play us off against other clubs but if they say they want to join I will welcome them with open arms.

"I am not worried, I have a big contacts books and will look elsewhere to bring in players that want to be at the club."

Sporting return to action with their first pre-season friendly on Saturday at FA Stratford (2pm ko).

They then visit Cradley next Saturday (3pm ko), take on Stratford Town at home on Tuesday, July 21 (7.45pm ko) and go to West Didsbury and Chorlton on July 25.

Meanwhile, Bromsgrove will take on Gornal Athletic away in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on Saturday, August 15.

In the FA Vase, a trip to Heath Hayes awaits on September 29 (both games 3pm ko).