MANAGER Gary Hackett says new striker Luke Shearer can be the next player to fulfil his potential with the Glassboys.

Shearer linked up with Stourbridge after spending the start of the season at local rivals Halesowen Town and will be one of the men tasked with replacing the goals of Jordan Archer.

Archer is all set to complete a move to Tranmere Rovers after agreeing personal terms with the National League side this week.

He joins a long list of players that have been snapped up by higher-ranked sides after being developed at the War Memorial Ground and Hackett thinks Shearer can also realise his potential in the red and white.

He said: "Luke Shearer is a player I've admired for a long time. He's a player with great potential but he maybe hasn't quite realised that yet.

"Here at Stourbridge we have shown that we are able to help players develop and improve.

"That is what has happened with Jordan Archer and Luke Shearer falls into a similar category now. He could become a very good player for us.

"We'd like to wish Jordan good luck for the future. He's really improved during his time with us and has been a good player, especially the start of this season. You certainly can't begrudge him his move."

Forward Justin Richards has again signed forms with the Glassboys but is still recovering from the serious knee injuries he picked up last term. Bradon Hague remains a month away with an ankle injury.

It means Stour are still on the hunt for more attacking options to add to Shearer's arrival ahead of this Saturday's home clash with seventh-placed Grantham Town (3pm kick-off).

Meanwhile, the boss is keen to move on quickly after last Saturday's 5-0 FA Cup defeat at the hands of Macclesfield Town.

He said: "We want to build momentum again now. Confidence won't have dipped but we do want to get back to winning ways.

"I think 5-0 flattered Macclesfield a little but they were the better side on the day and showed how clinical they are. It was always going to be a tough ask.

"Our home form has been average at best this season and is an area we need to improve."