LYE Town have swooped to sign Stourbridge attacker Ben Billingham ahead of the new season.

Billingham has left the War Memorial Ground after making more than 250 appearances in red and white since first featuring for the Glassboys in the 2007/09 season.

He ended last term on-loan at Lye and played a big part in their fine end to the campaign in the Midland Football League Premier Division.

His opportunities at Amblecote were limited last season as he continued to fight his way back from a serious ankle injury.

Town boss Martin Thomas said: “We are really pleased to get someone of Ben’s ability into the squad for next season.

“I think the way we play will continue to suit him. He came on loan at the end of last season and fitted like a glove.

“He was a fans’ favourite down at Stourbridge and you can see why. He is a good coup for the club.”

Thomas and joint-boss Darren Goodall have been busy preparing for the new season and have also moved to add midfielder Ben Jevons and striker John Griffin to the squad.

Former Chasetown man Jevons was a AFC Wulfrunians last season.

“He will add a lot more quality to the side as well,” said Thomas. “He can play in midfield or defence and is a great signing.

“We are really pleased with how everything is going at the moment.

“Pre-season is about to begin, we have added three new faces and we are really looking forward to getting started.

“Most of last season’s squad have also committed and we will be looking at a few youth players as well. The way we finished last season was very encouraging. We want to build on that.”

Thomas said the club could add more players if the right deals can be done.

“We only ever operate with a small squad, so the summer is all about tweaking things rather than sweeping changes,” added the Stourbridge Road manager.

“It can be difficult for us due to our location between both Stourbridge and Halesowen, but we are very pleased with what we have already done.

“If the season started tomorrow we would be perfectly fine. Now it is about finding better quality if possible rather than just getting more numbers.”