FORMER Wolves and Bradford City striker Mark Danks has been confirmed as Quentin Townsend’s assistant manager in a busy summer of changes at Stourport Swifts.

New boss Townsend, who has only been at the club for a couple of weeks, has made a number of signings this week, as well as re-signing some familiar faces.

Earlier this month journeyman Danks was set to move to Black Country Rangers after turning down an offer to commit himself to former club Worcester City for the upcoming season.

He has now however opted out of that deal and will instead take up the role as a player-assistant manager with Swifts.

The club has also confirmed the re-signing of last season’s player of the season Matt Fulloway, former Kidderminster Harriers defender Harry Higginson, Matt Hanson and Callum Parker.

One player who had a key role in last season – skipper and talisman Alex Perry has left the club for rivals Sporting Khalsa after making 43 appearances in 2017/18.

Swifts announced Perry’s departure on twitter, saying: “Disappointed this evening to say that we have lost our skipper and talisman Alex Perry to @SportingKhalsa.

“Pez has given his all for the club and we are sorry to see him go. I know the decision was not an easy one for him but he has unfinished business at Khalsa.”

Fans will be hopeful that one of the club’s five new signings will replace the impact of Perry.

Former Stourbridge midfielder Drew Canavan will bring a wealth of experience to Swifts after making more than 400 appearances for the Black Country club.

They have also gained the services of ex-Pershore Town pair Shaun Griffiths and Dean Waldron – who is currently recovering from an operation and is not expected to be back to full fitness until October.

Young Telford United starlet Jack Downing has been confirmed as joining the Walshes Meadow side in a season long loan, while Townsend will also be able to call upon the services of former Bedworth, Redditch, Coventry City, Heather St John’s and Sporting Khalsa defender Rudy Misambo.