Boss insists departed Stourbridge players had chance to stay

Long was eager to clarify the situation following a mass exodus of players this summer

He stressed: "They were all offered the same deal as last season. The door was open to everyone.

"Every player that has left has gone by choice - nobody was forced out.

"I even shook hands with some players, who then later changed their minds, which disappointed me considerably."

At present, only four players from last season's Stourbridge squad remain, the quartet comprising of goalkeeper James Wren, Jordaan Brown, Greg Mills and Jake Evans, although Long remains in talks with a couple of other players.

Long has confirmed the Glassboys are currently in negotiations with rivals Nuneaton over the possible departure of striker Luke Benbow.

If Benbow does depart, then a fee would be required as the sought-after striker is currently on contract.

But Long has already moved to plug a possible gap by bringing in strikers Adam McGurk and Michael Taylor.

McGurk was most recently with promoted National League North side Chorley Town while Taylor had two spells with Stratford Town last term in addition to fleeting appearance with both Tamworth and Leamington.

Long has already plundered previous club Alvechurch by bringing in Ashley Carter, David Bellis, Zac Foster, Tom Turton, Kieron Cook and goalkeeper Charlie Price.

He has also acquired Will Grocutt who has spent the past three seasons with Stratford Town.

And Long hasn't given up hope on retaining the services of highly rated defender Aaron Hayden.

Long said: "Aaron wants to play at a higher level and I believe there has been interest. But he is someone who I would like to keep.

"I'm only really looking at bringing in three, possibly four more players and I'm talking to some at this moment".

Long has wasted little time since taking charge at Stourbridge and has already brought his players back in for fitness tests before pre-season officially gets underway on June 27.