ALVECHURCH boss Ian Long is still looking to increase his squad as they prepare for another assault on the Midland League title this season.

Long has lost several key players from last season's side that finished runners-up to champions Hereford.

Danny Ashton and Nick Wright have switched to rivals Sporting Khalsa while Matty Sargeant has joined Sutton Coldfield based Northern Premier South side Romulus.

Sam Williams and Karl Edwards have also moved to Walsall Wood while Nathan Waite has joined forces with Northern Premier League side Sutton Coldfield Town.

But Long has been landed an unexpected blow with the loss of Chris Field.

Long lamented: "Chris has changed his job and cannot commit at the moment. He's one of those wholehearted players who gives it everything and if he can't commit 100 per cent, then he won't do it. I've told Chris the door is always open to him if his circumstances change."

Goalkeeper Charlie Price has joined Church from Northern Premier side Stourbridge having previously played for Long while at Tividale.

Long has also added Tom Turton from Sutton Coldfield Town and Josh Sermento to his squad, Sermento having arrived after impressing at West Midlands League side Wolves Sporting Community last term.

Long added: "Josh is of Portuguese descent and had two years at Benfica as a youngster!

Church will be running an Under-21 side this season which act as stepping stone between the Under-18's, who themselves won promotion in the Floodlight League after finishing runners-up to Gloucester, and first team football.

Church commence their pre-season friendly fixtures with a trip to West Midland League side Cradley Town on Thursday, July 14