EXPERIENCED centre forward Jermaine Clarke has agreed to lead Alvechurch's line during the 2014-15 season.

The 30-year-old agreed to join the Church after spending pre-season at Lye Meadow.

The addition of a forward who has played for Evesham, Redditch United and Bromsgrove Rovers with distinction will only bolster Alvechurch's attacking options.

But Clarke will also be able to lend a hand behind the scenes, believes manager Ross Thorpe.

Clarke is currently a sports lecturer at South Birmingham College and has also conducted several coaching sessions.

Thorpe, who has already drafted in assistant Keith Rostill and Rob Williams into back room team, said: "It's great to have Jermaine at the club.

"With his experience, the players can all look up to him.He can play in a number of positions

"He's also a coaching at South Birmingham College and has done a couple of sessions which the lads enjoyed.

"Jermaine's young for a coach but he will have a head start on players who retire from playing aged 34 and then look at coaching."

Meanwhile, Alvechurch saw off Alcester Town 4-1 in Saturday's pre-season friendly, with Jamie Wilcox, Gareth Evans and Connor Deards (2) on target.

Alvechurch tackle Bolehall Swifts away on Saturday (3pm) and travel to Cradley Town next Tuesday (7.30pm ko).