BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Brendan Kelly remains confident he can keep hold of star striker Jason Cowley this summer.

Kelly confirmed the Rouslers have made Cowley an offer to remain at the Victoria Ground next season and are awaiting a response.

Cowley is currently out of contract but Kelly said: " I'm very optimistic that Jason will sign a new deal, but if anyone was to come in for Jason later on, we'd be happy to help with his progress.

"At present, Jason has received no concrete offers. He will start the season with a four match ban and we are still waiting to see what will happen following an incident which he was involved with at Lye Town towards the end of the season.

"With that in mind, it might well be that any interested clubs may wait until September before they make their move".

Kelly has already confirmed the signings of Cowley's strike partner Richard Gregory together with Max Loveridge, R'mar Murray and Liam Armstrong.

But the Rousler's boss revealed: "Progress has been a bit slow at the moment owing to the fact I had to return home to Ireland for family reasons.

"As a result, I haven't got around to speaking with everyone at the moment but, at the same time, nobody from last season's squad has indicated that they want to go anywhere else.

"I've also been inundated with calls from players who want to come to Bromsgrove next season. But I've already targeted some of the players I want to bring in".

Kelly has arranged a string of pre-season friendlies, most of which are away from home.

He added: "Clubs are very keen for us to travel to them because they know we will bring a big following with us.

"Make no mistake, we're going up to compete next season and I find it really refreshing that the board want to push on again, not just to stabilise at the new level and there are no shortage of players who want to be on board".

Kelly has also confirmed the following friendlies commencing on July 14 with a trip to Lichfield City.

That is followed by: July 17 Bilston Town Community (A), July 21 Shawbury United (A), July 24 Alvechurch (A), July 28 Leamington (A), July 31 Halesowen Town (A) and August 4 Stourbridge (H).