STOURPORT Swifts will begin a new era next season after a consortium of former players and local businessmen took on the running of the club.

Former players Ian Johnson, Graham Haighway, Mick Greenhill, Nigel Wager as well as local golf professional Graham Glenister and Stourbridge's Peter Hanson have all come on board.

They will form a new committee and support chairman Chris Reynolds and club secretary John McDonald, who will remain on board.

Barry Wilson, Paul Reynolds and Laura McDonald complete the committee.

“I am delighted we have secured the interest and commitment of this group," said the chairman.

"It is heartwarming to see so many former players get together to take this on, to secure the future of Stourport Swifts.”

Former Dudley Town under-21s coach Mark Phillips has been named as first team manager and will be joined by assistant John Dowdeswell, while the Swifts will focus on bringing through young local talent in the future.

Kidderminster League team Chainwire, run by the new committee men, will adopt the club name and play matches at Walshes Meadow from next season, bringing the nucleus of their young team to Stourport.

An under-21 side will also continue from Walshes Meadow.

McDonald said: “We have been reluctant to commit to Sunday involvement for many years due to the extra work involved, but we are comfortable that this consortium will maximise our assets and increase revenue for the club.”

Swifts have friendly matches lined up for the start of next season against Kidderminster Harriers, Stourbridge Town, Halesowen Town, Worcester City and Bewdley Town.

Meanwhile, Swifts defeated Coventry Sphinx 1-0 on Saturday in the Midlands Premier, with Ben Maund scoring, but they lost 2-1 to Westfields on Tuesday.

They go to Lye on Saturday and take on AFC Wulfrunians on Tuesday.