MIDFIELDER Chris Cornes has been allowed to leave Stourport Swifts after failing to light up Walshes Meadow.

The 22-year-old was informed he was not longer part of manager Neil Hunt's plans as the club tries to build a squad capable of clawing themselves into the top half of the Southern League Midlands Division One.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers academy star struggled to find his fitness since arriving at the club last season, despite glimpses of his talent over the course of the previous campaign.

Cornes has struggled to find his feet after unsuccessful spells at Telford, Worcester and Bromsgrove Rovers.

The midfielder is now training with Worcester City and may be given a run-out by manager Richard Dryden in one of their friendlies.

Assistant manager Paul Scott believes that the departure of Cornes will herald a more dynamic Swifts team next season.

He said: "We have decided to let Chris go and concentrate on a team with a higher work rate.

"You can't question his ability because he's capable of playing at least of Conference North or South level and even pushing for the Premier Division.

"He's got issues with fitness and his desire was never quite there.

"A lot of managers have tried to get the best out of him and it hasn't worked.

"He had great moments for us last season. When we played Halesowen last year he was absolutely magnificent in the second half and changed the game for us. His talent is undoubted.

"We've told him to train with a club from a higher level and we'll see where he goes from there."

With pre-season training underway, Scott confirmed that the club had already secured the services of a host of last season's players including, Scott Morris, Paul Evans and Nathan Jukes.

Scott and Hunt are still both looking to strengthen the squad in time for the start of the season.

Swifts step up pre-season with a friendly at Pershore on Saturday (3pm kick-off), before entertaining Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).