SWIFTS boss Rod Brown is hoping he can secure the services of prolific non-league hitman Mark Bellingham.

Brown will learn tomorrow if the centre forward will commit to the Walshes Meadow outfit, who are looking to bounce back from their relegation to the Midland Football Alliance.

The 34-year-old has savoured a fine goal-scoring career for the likes of Stourbridge, Bromsgrove Rovers and Leamington but now does not want to play any higher than step four of non-league pyramid.

Midway through last season Bellingham joined Alliance outfit Causeway United, hitting the back of the net seven times, before turning out for Bedworth United at the end of the campaign.

Brown has been able to retain most of the squad which ended the Southern League Division One South and West with some momentum, despite finishing bottom-of-the-table but the capture of Bellingham would be a coup.

He said: “I’ve never managed Mark. I’ve tried to sign him a couple of times but always missed out.

“I’ve had two very productive meetings with him and I am hopeful, although it’s not a done deal at all. Mark will let me know on Friday.”

Meanwhile, Brown has taken advantage of the departure of Lee Adams at Studley to sign four players from their Alliance rivals.

Midfielder Joe Adams, midifelder Matty Collins, versatile right-sided player Jordan Jones and Scott Turner have all signed for Swifts.

With the likes of Ryan Mahon, Mark Benbow, Tim Jackson, Louis Pountney and Louis Bridges also secured, Brown feels the squad will be able to cope with the rigours of step five in the non-league.

He said: “These are Studley’s four best players and I am really pleased to bring them in.

“We’ve actually managed to keep the squad from last season, which is saying something considering we were relegated. We ended the season with some momentum and that really helped to persuade the players to stay on.

“I want us to finish as high as possible. To compete in this division you have to be strong and rugged and I have got the players working on individual plans to make sure they’re ready for the season.”

Swifts have also announced their pre-season programme, which includes matches against Blue Square Bet neighbours Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City.

Preparations kick-off at Wellington on Saturday, July 14, followed by a match against a strong Harriers team on Thursday, July 19 (7.45pm kick-off) at Walshes Meadow.

Worcester City visit Stourport two days later, and Bromsgrove Sporting come to Swifts on Tuesday, July 24 (7.45pm kick-off).

Swifts take on Yorkshire-based outfit Frickley Athletic on Saturday, July 28 (2pm kick-off) and then end the summer build-up at home to Stourbridge on July 31.