INDUSTRIOUS Alvechurch boss Ian Long is close to completing the line-up to his squad for next season after snapping up former Redditch United marksman Luke Keen.

Long has also nailed down the signing of experienced former Hereford FC central defender Jamie Willetts who turned down the chance of playing possible Europa League football next season to remain at Lye Meadow.

Long said: “Persuading Jamie to stay is a massive plus and gives us plenty of options in defence along with Ash Carter and Andy Parsons.

“Jamie had offers to play for several League of Wales sides including Aberystwith and Newtown, in addition to Worcester City.

“He’s a good old fashioned centre forward who likes to attack the ball and it’s not insignificant that his arrival at Alvechurch last season coinciding with a turning point as we went onto win the Midland League title.”

The arrival of Luke Keen had also given Church a huge boost in attack where the prospect of him partnering last season’s leading marksman Jamie March could have a huge impact.

Keen is a proven goalscorer at Northern Premier Division One South level following his time with Romulus.

Busy boss Long has already secured the services of 15 players from last season’s squad and confirmed: “We’ve pretty much signed up everyone we want to keep from last season.”

Long also plans to speak with Mike Wardle this week but revealed: “Mike might be close to packing up the game through injury. He’s having problems with his ankle which is beginning to impact on his day-to-day life. I’m aware he’s in a great deal of discomfort after playing in games and training, which is a great shame as he’s my longest serving player.”

Long will also speak with teenage midfield player James Douglas this week. Douglas won the Midland League’s Under-21 player award at their annual presentation evening at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium.

the 19 year old Douglas had a spell out on loan with Tividale last season and is already attracting a great deal of interest from a number sides.