NEW Studley boss Ade Luxton has been extremely busy in the transfer market as he builds a squad capable of making a push for promotion from Midland League Division One.
The Bees impressed in the curtailed 2019/20 campaign – sitting third with numerous games in hand and extremely well placed to seal a top two finish – only to see the season ended prematurely.
However, Luxton has wasted no time in preparing for another promotion push and has secured commitments for the new season from many players.
The Bees have fought off competition from a number of other sides to secure the signature of young, athletic centre-back Dan Nokes, whilst the versatile Sean Cooke is also on board.
Keeper from the 2018/19 season Tom Haywood returns to provide competition between the sticks and the consistent and versatile Matthew Edwards has also committed.
Impressive attacker Dale Edwards was arguably Studley’s top performer last season and he will be aiming to bag more important goals to add to his burgeoning reputation.
Also staying is last season’s top scorer Dan Carter, talented full-back Jordan Jones and pacy winger Callum Debar.
‘Mr Studley’ Dave Edwards is once again keen to lead by example, as is big striker Mark Magee whose experience is vital to the side.
Worcester City’s Joel Caines has switched to the Beehive and will be keen to make his mark, as will Reece Staley following the knee operation which ruined his 2019/20 season.
Harvey Smith will be given chances to further show his undoubted potential and keeper Conor McCarthy is again aiming to earn points for Studley with more impressive performances.
Josh Westwood is now fully fit following the injury which wrecked his last season and is sure to offer plenty of threat in attack, whilst also signed is last season’s Racing Club Warwick captain Scott Turner.
Midfielder Max Loveridge is well known for his fine displays at Redditch United and the midfielder will again be aiming to shine in the Bees’ engine room.
Lewis Marston, who skippered the side after Christmas, will again have a vital role to play and young James Wright will offer competition in a number of positions.
Former Birmingham City prospect and DR Congo national Jean Kalenda has committed for the coming season and is already looking sharp in the pre-season sessions, whilst Chris Cowley is another popular figure to add his qualities to the ranks.
