BEWDLEY Town hitman Chris Hough saw his fine season in the Premier Division recognised after he was named the West Midlands League Premier Division’s player of the season for 2010-11.

Hough bagged 19 league goals and helped fire the Ribbesford Meadows outfit to sixth in the league and to success in the Worcestershire Senior Urn.

It marked a fine campaign for the midfielder-turned-forward, who has spent 12 seasons at Bewdley.

He was handed the award at the club’s presentation day on Sunday by joint managers Craig Payton and Bryan Lacey, who learned of the accolade at the league dinner and dance, which was held at Walsall FC on Saturday.

“Chris has had a tremendous season and thoroughly deserves this award,” commented Payton.

Meanwhile, Shaun Wright was named supporters’ and players’ player of the year at the club’s presentation day, while Russell Godfrey picked up the managers’ player of the season award.

The league has announced it will have 22 teams this season.

Division One champions Black Country Rangers and Sporting Khalsa have moved up into the Premier Division. Malvern Town drop down from the Midland Football Alliance and Bloxwich have switched to the Midland Combination, while Hereford side Pegasus Juniors have also joined.

Bewdley have also line-up pre-season friendlies, starting at home to Perrywood on Tuesday, July 12 (6.45pm kick-off). Town go to Archdales on Saturday, July 16 (2pm kick-off), visit Ludlow on Tuesday, July 26 and travel to Pilkington XXX on Saturday, July 30.

They complete their preparations for the new league campaign at Westfields on Tuesday, August 2.