Revamped Stoubridge hope to improve

Stourbridge manager Gary Hackett believes his summer business has given his existing squad the 'kick up the backside' they required after a poor end to last season.

The Glassboys faded badly in the second half of 2014-15, eventually finishing their Evo-Stik League Premier Division campaign in 16th place after winning just one of their final 17 matches.

But Hackett has moved for experience to boost his side's prospects, adding Stuart Pierpoint from National League North outfit Leamington.

Perhaps most impressively, they have snapped up former Notts County, Carlisle United and Scunthorpe United front man Karl Hawley.

Hackett's side make the long trip to Whitby Town tomorrow, before hosting Nantwich Town on their new home midweek night of Monday (7.45pm).

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He said: "Karl has been at a wedding in Mexico for three or four weeks so we've been patient, but we're excited by the prospect of him scoring goals to get us right up there.

"The new players have revitalised some of the older players – sometimes they need a kick up the backside."

Stourbridge will be at almost full strength, with only Kayleden Brown missing because of work commitments.

Hackett is preparing for life without Jamie Insall – who is yet to even play a competitive game for the Glassboys – with the striker on the verge of moving to Scottish Championship outfit Hibernian.

Meanwhile, Luke Connolly has moved across the N0 9 Derby divide to sign for Halesowen Town – to replace Tom Tonks and Kristian Green, who went the other way.

The Yeltz kick off their season to home to Colwyn Bay tomorrow (3pm) with new-boys Anthony Charles, Jay Denny, Greg Pearson, Mike Taylor, Chris Westwood and Kyle Morrison in contention for their debuts.

An away game against Mickleover Sports follows on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Rushall Olympic, who have gone close to the play-offs in each of the last two seasons, host Ramsbottom United on the opening day (3pm).

They follow that with a trip to Stamford on Tuesday (7.45pm).