ROD Brown has wasted little time in bolstering his Stourport Swifts squad ahead of a tilt at the Midland Alliance title in the 2013-14 season.

Brown has already added three players and says he is pursuing two more who have played at a higher level, as he tries to add some much-needed experience to his youthful troops.

Midfielder James Blake has been snapped up to inject some extra finesse in the middle of the park. Blake performed with distinction at Bromsgrove Sporting last season before returning to former club Evesham United, who play in the Evo-Stik Southern League.

Brown also believes he’s secured Bromsgrove Sporting’s most reliable performers last season. He has signed defender Nick Harris and powerful frontman Chris Morrison.

The pair were integral to the Victoria Ground outfit’s first season in the Midland Combination Premier Division, which they topped for several months before finishing sixth.

Harris was Rouslers boss Graham Scott’s player of the season, while Morrison proved to be an inspirational captain playing up front or as an emergency centre back.

The Stourport boss also confirmed he expects to keep all of last season’s players.

He is well aware Swifts’ lack of experience cost them dearly as they faltered in the final weeks’ of last season and slumped to third in the table.

Brown said: “I want to add experience to the squad this time and make sure we avoid the mistakes which cost us this season.

“If I get who I want then I am really excited about this season.

“We’ve also got eight young players who will only be improved next season because of their experience so it’s looking good.”

Former Evesham United manager Paul West and brother Leon have joined Stourport’s backroom staff to assist Brown and right hand man Dave Connell, while physio Mike Orme remains on board as well.

Meanwhile, Swifts are playing all four of their home friendlies against higher-ranked opponents during a seven-day spell.

They will face a strong Kidderminster Harriers line-up on Saturday, July 20, welcome Stourbridge on July 23, Worcester City two days later and Chasetown on July 27.

Swifts are trying to arrange a game at Bewdley Town before the league starts on August 3, a week earlier than normal. Training begins on Saturday, June 25.