SWIFTS boss Rod Brown has begun his pre-season preparations by signing two players.

Experienced former Redditch United, Halesowen Town and Bromsgrove Rovers defender Dennis Pearce has teamed up for a third time with Brown to be Stourport’s player/coach.

Rookie striker Chris Knight is also set to sign for the Walshes Meadow outfit when pre-season starts in July.

Knight is a youngster who has been with Kidderminster Harriers’ youth team.

He had a brief spell at Southern League Premier outfit Leamington last season and has also played for English Counties.

He is set to be the first of a number of young players from the Harriers to feature at Swifts.

Brown said: “Dennis is very experienced so he will be able to bring a lot. Chris is a young guy who didn’t have much of a chance to shine at Leamington.

“He’s from Kidderminster Harriers and Steve Burr has agreed for us to have him.

“I’ve tied something up with Harriers, so we could have four or five players that their management want to keep an eye on playing for us.

“With the budget being cut we’ve got to work with younger guys and bring them on, although we do need some experienced players.”

Meanwhile, Brown is hoping to talk to most of Swifts’ existing squad about signing again for the 2011-12 campaign in the Southern League Division One South West.

Brown is keen to keep the majority of the players. However, he looks to have lost keeper Paul Evans, who has joined Halesowen Town.

“I will talk to Paul regarding Halesowen, as I have not heard from him,” added Brown.

“I’ve said to the lads that I want to keep them but it’s up to them.”

The manager was also hoping to talk with captain Dene Whittall-Williams, who was unhappy with the dismissal of former boss Richard Colwell, to clarify his stance.

Meanwhile, Swifts have arranged home friendlies with Kidderminster Harriers on Thursday, July 21 and Stourbridge on Saturday, August 6.

The club hope to also play Worcester, Evesham and Bromsgrove Sporting during pre-season. They will also tackle Westfields away with the date to be announced.

n Swifts lost 2-0 to home team Malvern in the Worcestershire Infirmary Cup final on Sunday.