BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith has finally got his man after recruiting goalkeeper Reece Francis from rivals Cadbury Athletic.

Smith tried to sign 24 year old shotstopper Francis last Christmas and served seven days notice for him - but the keeper turned Sporting down to remain at Cadbury.

Smith admitted: "I was really disappointed at the time with his decision - but looking back, it speaks volumes for him.

"Reece didn't want to leave Cadbury in mid-season and I look back now and admire that loyalty.

"He was one, if not the best goalkeeper in our league last season.

"I watched him play on a number of occasions and not just when we were playing against Cadbury either.

"He's a big, strong lad, very vocal, has a tremendous kick on him and is looking to step up."

Smith used a string of different goalkeepers last season after first choice Chris Jay became injured and the Sporting boss revealed: "Chris is still a fair way off and waiting for an MRI scan. So it was something where I had to act."

Smith used a succession of goalkeepers last season, drafting in the likes of Nathan Vaughan, Neil Leach and Steve Grogan.

He admitted: "As soon as Chris Jay got injured, I knew it was going to present us with a few problems and I've been relying on people helping us out.

"It was a situation I wanted to put to bed very quickly and I'm absolutely delighted to get Reece on board."

Smith takes his Sporting squad on a short break to Benidorm this week - but he will also use the trip to sign up the players he wants to keep for next season as he plans his assault on the Midland Premier League title.

Josh Quayner has become the latest player to commit himself to Sporting for next season.

He has previously featured for the former Bromsgrove Rovers and has also had spells at Aylesbury United, Cheltenham Town, Coleshill Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Redditch United and Worcester City.