BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith and his players are just glad to finally kick off the Southern League Premier Division Central campaign this weekend.

A promising pre-season finished with a 1-1 home draw against Marlow before Smith's second spell in charge begins competitively at Hitchin Town on Saturday (3pm).

New-look Sporting then have their first home league game at the Victoria Ground, now known as the UK Electrical Stadium due to sponsorship rights, next Tuesday when Stratford Town visit (7.45pm).

Smith said: "It's a new challenge coming here.

"We've had a great start and have put a good group together that are all honest and working hard so we just can't wait to get going now."

Sporting and Hitchin will both be looking to improve on lowly finishes last season.

Smith will field a string of new signings including possibly keeper Charlie Price, defender Shay Palmer, midfielders George Forsyth, Reece King and Jamie Meddows and forwards Aaron Bishop and Charlie Wragg who all started against Marlow.

Teenager Walsall striker Wragg, who scored twice as a trialist in the 3-2 win over Birmingham City under 21s, has joined on an initial three-month loan deal.

Smith said: "He’s a fantastic talent and those that watched our friendly against Birmingham will testify he was very impressive.

“He will complement Bish (Bishop), Cookie (Kieran Cook) and H (Harry Crook) perfectly and I’m now happy with the striking options we have at the club going into the new season.”

Sporting concluded their pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Buckinghamshire outfit Marlow, writes Max Banner.

King gave the hosts the lead in the first half before the visitors levelled with eight minutes remaining.

Meddows and Wragg had chances before King netted after he was set up in style by the former.

Marlow enjoyed more of the play in the second half with Price saving a number of efforts before the equaliser finally arrived.

Sporting had previously lost 4-3 at Boldmere St Michaels in a midweek friendly with penalties from Crook and Cook alongside a Luke Rowe effort.

Meanwhile, Richard Boorn, who recently resigned as vice-chairman for health reasons, has been persuaded to continue in the role of club vice-president.

Chairman Rod Brown said: “I value his expertise with financial governance which can only enhance the skillsets available to us.

"On a personal level, I value his friendship and I’m thrilled that he has accepted our invitation.”