ALVECHURCH may well have to look at other goalkeeping options after Charlie Price said he was considering an offer from Southern League Premier side Stratford.

Church revealed last week that the promising young shot-stopper had agreed to sign a deal at the Lye Meadow outfit after spending most of last season at Stourbridge.

Players cannot register with a team until the start of July but clubs are working hard to try to bring in fresh faces and retain squads.

However, the shot-stopper’s switch from the Memorial Ground to Worcestershire is in doubt after Stratford made offered him a lucrative deal.

Manager Ian Long said: “At this stage of the season players cannot sign but I am old fashioned manager in many ways and when a player shakes hands on a deal then I expected it to be honoured.

“Charlie has came back to us saying Stratford has made him a better offer so we’ll have to see what happens.

“We may also have to look at other options now and be honest because Charlie is a very good keeper.

“This is not a nice time of year in many respects and this sort of thing knocks my faith in players agreeing.”

Church are in need of a keeper as Matt Sargeant is set to sign for Romulus, but Paul Evans has agreed to stay on at Church.

Meanwhile, Sutton Coldfield playmaker Tom Turton has agreed to join the club.

A host of last season’s squad have also committed to the team for the 2016-17 campaign.

Andy Parsons, Luke Paskin and Zac Foster have said they will stay, while leading goal scorer Jordan Nadat, Josh March, Connor Deards and Mike Wardle and James Spray have committed.

Young player of the season Josh March has agreed to remain at the team, while midfielders Jack Cresswell and Ryan Winwood are also on board.

Long said: “After finishing second to Hereford last season and having an 18 point gap over the third placed team there will be a lot of expectation on us next season.

“We will be there to be shot at and we want to win the league and promotion.

“We are keeping together the core of the squad that did so well next season."

“I have worked with the same group of players for three seasons and I hope the group doesn’t break up.”

Meanwhile, the trio of Karl Edwards, Sam Williams and Mark Smith are also rumoured to be wanted by Bromsgrove Sporting.

The club have also announced their pre-season fixtures, starting at Cradley Town on July 14, following by a trip to Lichfield City on July 19.

Church go to Tipton Town a day later and tackle Blackpool outfit SquiresGates on July 23 away.

Halesowen Town come to the Meadow on July 26 and Church go to Wolverhampton Sporting two days later.

They welcome Sutton Coldfield Town on July 30 and complete the programme at home to Stourbridge on Monday, August 1.