Stourbridge FC boss Gary Hackett has begun the process of filling the void left by the shock departure of striker Mark Bellingham by recriuting the promising Lyndon Dovey.

Hackett was sad to see Bellingham go, with losing play-off finalists Leamington set to be is next port of call after he agreed terms.

Hackett said: "Mark's departure came as a bit of a shock to some people but not me because me and Mark had been talking about the future for a while now.

"I would like to wish him well for the future because he was not just an excellent player for us but also a marvellous club man.

"However it is now a new chapter for him and for us."

The manager did not take long to bring in a replacement as he prepares for the club's first season in the BGB Premier Division.

Stourbridge-based Dovey became a Glassboy after making the move from Shifnal Town.

The 21-year-old who also had a spell at Hednesford Town last season is a player Hackett has been monitoring for a couple of years and he is delighted to now have him on board.

Hackett said: "Lyndon is a player we have been watching for a few years now.

"He's a guy with a lot of potential and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"Lyndon's major attributes are that he's very athletic, good in the air and if he can live up to his ability he's sure to be succesful."

The boss has also made massive strides in keeping last season's squad in place with a host of his promotion heroes signing up another season at the War Memorial Ground.

Putting pen to paper on new deals are goalkeeper Lewis Solly, defenders Carig Slater, Ross Collins, Damian Witcombe and Nathan Bennett, midfield duo Gavin Whinsper and James Dyson as well as striker Ryan Broadhurst.

Hackett also confirmed negotiations to keep free-scoring midfielder Leon Broadhurst at the club were coming along well.