STRENGTHENING Stourbridge’s forward line is a top priority for manager Gary Hackett after striker Luke Benbow's departure.

The powerful hitman left Amblecote after agreeing terms to join National League North side Hednesford Town for next season.

Hackett said: “I was already looking to add another striker and am confident we will get one or two in before the start of the new season.

“Luke has been a really important player for us. He is a nice lad and goes with our best wishes.

“Admittedly his last season was disappointing but he suffered a number of injuries and was always trying to get back to his best. Before that he was fantastic at times.

“It is no good panicking and bringing anyone just to boost numbers. We are talking to lots of targets and will get the right forwards in.

“We have the basis of our squad in place and can now cherry pick the players we want to improve us.”

Benbow joined the Glassboys in the summer of 2012 from Redditch United, and had a successful first two seasons, scoring several important goals as they reached two successive play-offs.

However, a quad and hamstring injury late in the 2013/14 season meant he missed out on the last five games of that campaign and the beginning of the club’s first campaign in the Northern Premier League.

He returned to the side with a bang in September 2014, scoring eight goals in three games against Nantwich Town, Trafford and Belper Town, before his injury troubles struck again. He as to score just once more for Stourbridge in the Birmingham Senior Cup defeat to Rushall Olympic.

Overall he made 129 appearances for the club, scoring 57 times.

The Glassboys are set to return to training this weekend.