BOSS Bren Kelly is ready to embrace Bromsgrove Sporting's tough start to the new season.

The Rouslers have been handed an opening day home clash with Biggleswade Town on Saturday, August 10.

The first away fixture sees them go to Tamworth three days later.

Clashes against Coleville and Kings Langley follow before Sporting head to Stourbridge on Monday, August 26.

Kelly said: "It's a tough start but it's not something we are going to shy away from.

"We start with Biggleswade who finished in the top 8 last season then go to Tamworth, who are a team that finished last season really well and will be right up there. Not long after that we go to Stourbridge on Bank Holiday Monday.

"It's difficult but I wouldn't have it any other way. I do think it's crazy that we have been made about fifth or sixth favourites for the league after coming up last season when you look at the quality of the teams we are going to be up against."

Sporting are set to begin their pre-season friendly programme with a trip to face Littleton on Tuesday night. That will be followed by a tough test against National League North neighbours Kidderminster harriers this Saturday.

The boss is looking forward to seeing his side in action and hasn't ruled out making more additions before the next campaign kicks off.

As well as keeping the majority of last season's squad together, he has already added experienced midfielder Leon Broadhurst, goalkeeper Matt Coton, forwards Shaquille McDonald, Robert Thompson-Brown, Kyle Perry and Cameron Peters, and defender Joe Hull.

Kelly added: "I'm really happy with what we have now and it's going to be great getting some games under our belts.

"I might still look to bring one or two in. I'm not just going to ignore a really quality player if they became available and we have a few trialists to look at and they do have the chance to force their way in.

"We do have two players for every position, which is a strong place to be, but that doesn't mean we can't get another one in if they were right for us."

"I'll be putting two 11s out against Littleton and will be making sure everyone gets the same amount of minutes. There are a few lads who won't be involved and we have a few who are also playing catch-up because of holidays and having to miss a few sessions, but we'll manage that."