IAN Long has ended speculation about his future by committing to Alvechurch for another season.

Long and right hand man Richard Colwell are keen to build on an impressive first full season at Lye Meadow.

The pair guided Church to second spot, just pipped to promotion by Hereford, as well as the Worcestershire Senior Urn.

The Advertiser understands Long did have talks with Reds chairman Chris Swan last week after the Southern League Premier club approached him.

He said: "Following recent speculation we are pleased to announce that we have committed our future to Alvechurch.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed our first season at the club and feel we have unfinished business following our second place finish last season.

"The club has worked incredibly hard off the pitch with ground improvements and has just recently secured a new pitch/training facility which will make the facilities among the best in non league.

"Alvechurch has great ambitions, which match our own and hopefully together we can continue with the success we started last year.

"It has been a strange few days but now we fully concentrate on next season and achieving the goals we have set in place. It’s exciting times ahead!"

Meanwhile, Alvechurch continue their search for more silverware when they edged out Heath Hayes 1-0 in the JW Hunt Cup on Saturday thanks to Jordan Nadat's strike.

They were missing a host of players because of injuries and holidays booked for after the league campaign.

Long fielded several young players as they booked their semi-final clash at Sporting Khalsa.

He added: "I thought were looked in control throughout the game.

"We've got a few players back for Sporting, so hopefully we can progress."