ALVECHURCH boss Ian Long hailed the capture of former Redditch United hot-shot Luke Keen as a “great bit of business”.
Striker Keen has a proven record in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South, having been joint top scorer in the division two seasons ago with Romulus, before he joined the Reds.
Keen, who has also featured for Sutton Coldfield Town, Rugby Town, Stafford Rangers, Rushall Olympic and Daventry, becomes the Churchmen’s fourth new signing and Long also confirmed key defender Jamie Willets has confirmed his future to Lye Meadow, despite interest from Welsh Premier duo Aberystwyth Town and Newtown as well as Worcester City.
Alvechurch are also hoping to complete a deal to keep wide player Babucar Suane, who has been a target for Redditch, Sutton Coldfield Town and Stamford.
Long was delighted to seal a move for Keen and revealed director Simon Redhead had been a key figure in the move.
“Simon has got a good relationship with Luke and when he had a conversation and Luke showed interest we were able to agree a deal,” said Long. “It’s a great bit of business.
“He has scored goals at Step Three level and Step Four level. He will certainly add to the mix. I’m a firm believer that if you score goals you will be successful and Luke is the sort of striker to get 20 goals a season.”
Centre back Willets completed a remarkable back-to-back treble, having won three trophies with Hereford in 2015/16 before being a key figure in the Churchmen’s triple success as champions, League Cup winners and JW Hunt Cup winners.
“Jamie had a few offers but he understands the project we are building here at Alvechurch and he wants to be part of it,” said Long.
Goalkeeper Lewis Gwilliams has also committed to Church and will vie with player of the season Paul Evans for the No 1 shirt.
However, Alvechurch have been dealt one blow with Mike Wardle announcing his retirement at the age of 26.
The utility player was an influential figure in the run-in but has been blighted with ankle problems. Now those injuries have forced him to hang up his boots.
“It’s a real shame. Mike has been my longest serving player, playing for me at Tipton, Tividale and Alvechurch and he is a hugely popular player,” said Long.
“The injuries have just become too much. He has got no cartilage in his ankle after all the operations he has had and if he plays he is really struggling for the next few days. When it affects your quality of life, it’s really difficult to keep playing.
“Now he is going to be Alvechurch’s No 1 supporter We want to keep him involved.”
Meanwhile, Alvechurch brought the curtain down on the season with Long being named Premier Division Manager of the Season at the Midland League presentation night.
Alvechurch youngster James Douglas was named U21s League Player of the Season, while Josh March won the Premier Division golden boot, sharing the award with St Andrews’ Shay Brennan.
The Churchmen have also confirmed Ollie Harthill will be manager of the new reserves team after moving from Northfield Town. The team, completing a link through the youth teams to senior football, will play in the Midland League Reserve Division.
