BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith has added the final piece to his pre-season jigsaw by bringing in Racing Club Warwick striker Wade Malley.

The 22-year-old marksman has been on Smith's radar for some considerable time and the Sporting boss said: "I've been keeping an eye on Wade for quite a while. At 6ft 2, he's a big strong boy and I feel Wade has all the tools to do really well.

"I know that our supporters love a big striker and I just hope that Wade can take to our group and withstand all that comes with it.

"He's turned down offers from AFC Hinckley, Highgate United and Littletons to join us and gives us exciting options up front together with Jason Cowley."

Malley becomes Smith's sixth summer capture along with Joe Ward, goalkeeper Reece Francis, Duane Courtney, Jordan Jones and Josh Quaynor.

Smith has also retained 18 from last season's unbeaten title winning squad and also intends to include three trialists when Sporting commence pre-season training this Saturday.

The only key departure from last season is Luke Shorthouse who has opted to join Atherstone, which is closer to his home.

Smith said: " I wish Luke all the best. He wanted regular football, which is something that I couldn't promise him. Atherstone is on his doorstep and I hope he does well there.

"Obviously people will see I've got too many players in at the moment . But I will throw everyone of them into pre-season, however I've made it clear I will be looking to carry a squad of 18 players.

"It's likely that everyone will get their chance in the first three friendlies against Chelmsley Town, Romulus and Paget Rangers, then we'll take it from there."

SPORTING players will be out in force on Thursday night when they take on Bromsgrove Rugby Club in a T20 cricket match at St Godwolds Park (6-15pm start).

Last year's contest drew a crowd of well over 200 and Smith said: "We've got some decent cricketers in Neil Leech, Andy Nicol, Liam Spink and Craig Jones.

"I was out first ball last time - it drew the biggest cheer of the night!