BROMSGROVE boss Bren Kelly says continuity will be key as his side face up to the Southern League Central challenge.

Kelly's hopes of capturing a former Football League marksman failed to materialise last week but the manager at the Victoria Ground is more than happy with this summer's additions.

As well as keeping the majority of last season's squad together, he has also added experienced midfielder Leon Broadhurst, goalkeeper Matt Coton, forward Robert Thompson-Brown, defender Joe Hull and striker Shaquille McDonald.

He said: "Everything has calmed down a bit now and the phone is a bit quieter.

"I'm just really pleased with the people we've been able to get in and the squad we've now got.

"We've got 23 or 24 players coming back in on Thursday to start pre-season and I'm delighted with the mix we have.

"We'll have five trialists coming in as well but will only be looking to add one or two more from now on.

"We're in a position where we want to wait for the right person so we aren't going to be rushing into anything."

Sporting are still in the hunt for a forward following Jason Cowley's departure for League Two side Stevenage but it's keeping last season's promotion winners together that has most pleased Kelly.

"The deal for the striker we were talking to who was coming out of league football hasn't materialised, mainly because of logistical reasons," added Kelly.

"It's frustrating to miss out but we're still in a really good position.

"It was really important to us to keep this squad together and we've been able to do that.

"Yes, we've gone up again but I'd have set myself back two or three months but overhauling the team, so keeping that continuity was vital.

"The lads that got us there are going to have a chance to show what they can do at the new level.

"Everything is in place for them. It's up to them to get into our heads over pre-season.

"We didn't have a lot of experience at the new level but I think we have been able to add that with the signings we've made."