STOURBRIDGE'S pre-season preparations have been dealt a blow with the news that Tom Tonks will miss the start of the new campaign.

The influential central midfielder is facing six to eight weeks out and will require surgery on the ankle injury that blighted his final months of last season.

Boss Gary Hackett said: "It is a big blow that he'll be missing.

"He is due to have surgery on his ankle in August and will miss the start of the season now.

"It was an injury he carried at the end of the season and he did some damage that needs cleaning out.

"He's a big character and we'll miss him both on and off the field. He'll want to be involved but he'll still be around in pre-season and part of the group without being able to play."

Aaron Forde, Leon Broadhurst, Aris Christophorou and Darryl Westlake are also carrying injuries as the Glassboys' pre-season programme gathers pace.

Stour kicked-off their summer friendly fixtures with a 2-1 defeat at AFC Wulfrunian's last Saturday.

New arrivals Jordaan Brown, Rob Thompson-Brown and Greg Mills all started the game. Former Stafford Rangers man Thompson-Brown netted for Stour with a fine 25-yard effort before the hosts hit back.

The side also featured former Coalville Town keeper Matt Coton in the first half and ex-Tamworth and Newcastle Town stopper Rajaan Gill in the second period as Hackett looks to find a new number one following Matt Gould's departure.

The manager said: "I was pleased with certain aspects of the game but there were others that we need to improve.

"It is all about making sure we are peaking for the start of the season though.

"With these early friendlies it's just about making sure people get the opportunities to play. You find out quickly who has come back fit and who hasn't.

"It was another step towards working out who will be in my squad of 18 when the season gets underway. This is the time for players to show they can be apart of that.

"I've been happy with the recruitment so far but I have an open mind still and will still be looking to add to the squad."

The Glassboys are due to take on Lye Town at Stourbridge Road tonight before going to Stourport Swifts this Saturday.