MANAGER Gary Hackett is hopeful Stourbridge FC star strikers Paul Danks and Rob Taylor can put their horrendous luck with injuries well and truly behind them after closing in on deals to keep the pair at the War Memorial Ground.

The duo have been dogged by injury for the past two seasons, but with Taylor already agreeing to stay on and Danks close to signing a deal with the BGB Premier Division newcomers, it is obvious the boss is confident they can produce the goods next season.

Hackett said: "I'm very much looking forward to working with the pair next season.

"They are both great lads and when they are fit they are a real handful.

"I'm delighted for the pair of them and they feel like they have a point to prove."

The manager also revealed he would be checking out a host of players during pre-season, which starts on July 8, before making further additions to his squad.

Meanwhile, newly appointed youth team boss Dave King will begin the process of building a new-look team for the 2008/09 season on Monday when he holds trials to identify the cream of local football talent.

Stourbridge, the highest placed senior club in the borough to operate a side in the midweek Midland Floodlit Youth League, are looking for players who must be over the age of 16 and under the age of 18 as of September 1 2008. King is seeking players with the right drive and ability who could have the potential to follow in the footsteps of striker Sam Rock who having progressed from the youth set-up, played a big part in the Glassboys' promotion to the BGB Premier Division last season.

Interested players are asked to gather at the ground on High Street, Amblecote at 7pm with their training kit and appropriate footwear.

For further information you can contact Dave on 07788452168.