CRADLEY Town are planning for next season after it was confirmed they will compete in the Midland Alliance once more.

A league meeting on Monday said an appeal by Coleshill Town of the Midland Combination against a decision to deny them promotion to the Alliance was yet to be heard.

But whatever the outcome, Cradley have been assured they will not be relegated as the Alliance will run with either 22 or 23 teams.

Chairman Trevor Thomas said the decision allowed them to plan for next season and decide on transfer targets, with pre-season training starting tonight (Thursday).

Boss Marcus McDonald has already persuaded former Wolves and Bromsgrove midfielder Marlon Walters to join the club from Chasetown.

Despite being chased by Conference North outfit Hucknall Town, Walters decided to stay in the local area and he has signed a one year contract at Beeches View Avenue.

Former Grosvenor Park centre half Steven Coniff has also agreed to sign for The Hammers after ending a self imposed Saturday football exile.

McDonald is tracking two goalkeepers, one from the Midland Alliance and one from the Midland Combination, with both expected to fight for the number one shirt with current incumbents Lee Villers and Michael Connolly.

In addition skipper JJ Cole and forward Ryan Rowe have turned down offers from higher level clubs to stay with Cradley.

Thomas said with work going on to improve the ground and dressing rooms and the news of the relegation reprieve, things were looking up for Cradley.

He said: "It is all positive. We have got a main sponsor on board, an ambitious young manager who is signing some good players and a clean slate for the start of next season.

"The club has been dragged down a bit over the last few years and we have obtained a reputation of being a team that is continually struggling, on the field at least.

"Well this time we want it to be different. All the signs are that it will be and with just one team to concentrate on this season, I expect things to get better and better."

Thomas said they were still looking for more sponsors and individuals to become involved and anyone interested could contact him at the club.

Pre season fixtures:July: Tuesday 8- Wednesbury Town (h); Sat 12-Halesowen Town (h); Sat 19-Thimblemill Rec (h); Thurs 24-Evesham United (h); Sat 26-Ashby Ivanhoe (h); Tue 29-Stourbridge (h).