Hunt angered by by restructuring

5:01pm Wednesday 21st May 2008

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MANAGER Neil Hunt believes that Stourport Swifts will be hit in the pocket by the reshuffle of the BGB Southern League Division One Midlands.

The new-look division, which was announced at the end of last week, sees four teams from the south join it.

Suffolk sides AFC Sudbury, Bury Town, Marlow from Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire club Arlesley have joined Swifts' division, which will drive up the cost of travelling next season.

It has also seen Midlands sides Rushall Olympic and Willenhall Town join the Unibond Northern League, while Bishops Cleeve and Cinderford have switched to the BGB South and West Division.

"We have lost six teams from the Midlands and had them replaced by clubs from down south," said Hunt.

"It's a disgrace and I don't think anyone is very happy about this.

"It means our travel expenditure will go up by 40 per cent, not to mention the practical difficulty if we have to go to Suffolk on a Tuesday night."

Hunt continues to try and strengthen his squad for the 2008-2009 season and has spoke to several new additions about joining.

Swifts' manager has been in contact with Coleshill Town midfielder James Dance, League of Wales side Caersws utility man Steve Towers and Stratford defender Richard Munday.

He has given up trying to sign Bromsgrove Rovers' midfielder Sam Alsop, who has pledged to help the Victoria Ground club make a swift return to the BGB Premier Division.

He is also keen to have a look at Cinderford Town defender Marvin Thompson and goalkeeper Matt Bath.

Hunt said: "I want a squad of about 20 people but we are looking at young guys who may stay so it's hard to say how big it will be.

"Suffice to say I would like 20 players in training and we will go from there."

The manager has also sent out a letter informing his current Swifts squad who he wants to keep and will talk to those released when he returns from holiday in June.

Swifts have also announced several dates for pre-season friendlies, starting at home against Worcester City on Tuesday, July 22 (7.45pm kick-off).

They then welcome Stourbridge to Walshes Meadow five days later on Saturday, July 22, before away trips to Studley on Saturday, August 2 and Westfields a week later.

The club are also waiting to hear back from Blue Square Premier side Kidderminster Harriers and BGB Premier Division Halesowen Town about more friendlies.

BGB Southern League Division One Midlands for 2008-2009 season: AFC Sudbury; Arlesey Town; Atherstone Town ; Aylesbury United; Barton Rovers; Bedford Town; Bedworth United; Bromsgrove Rovers; Bury Town; Chasetown; Chesham United; Dunstable Town; Leamington; Leighton Town; Malvern Town; Marlow; Romulus; Rothwell Town; Soham Town Rangers; Stourport Swifts; Sutton Coldfield Town; Woodford United.