BROMSGROVE Sporting chairman John Prescott could not hide his delight after successful talks with Paul Smith ensured he will remain as manager for the 2016-17 season.

After talks between the board of directors and the Rouslers boss finished on Monday night, the club's chief confirmed Smith will stay in the Victoria Ground hot-seat.

Smith made it clear in last week's edition of The Advertiser that he was keen to stay on and that initial talks and had already laid out his plans to improve the squad.

He said: "Talks between the board and Paul have gone very well and I am delighted to confirm that he is staying on as manager.

"Under Paul's direction the team has improved and developed and we fully believe that development will continue next season.

"Last season we averaged 2.39 points a game which is a phenomenal amount and the crowds are up by a third.

"The Midlands Division One is a very difficult league to get out of but the aim next season is promotion to the Premier Division."

Smith has guided them to two second places and recorded an improved 91 points this year.

This season Sporting also reached the finals of the Worcestershire Senior Urn and Smedley Crooke Cup but missed out on silverware.

Smith admitted he was devastated by Saturday's 2-1 loss to Pilkington XXX in the Smedley Crooke Cup final at home.

He added: "I was devastated by the defeat, all 16 of our players didn't turn up and Pilkington worked very hard."