BEWDLEY Town have welcomed back former goalkeeper Tom Harper as the club’s preparations for the West Midlands League Premier Division hot-up.

Harper returns to the club after leaving two years ago for pastures new but after spells at Rushall Olympic and Lye Town, the young custodian has returned to the fold.

He will come in and act as understudy to the vastly experienced Darren Steadman, who decided to put plans to hang up his keeper gloves on hold for another season.

Ironically, Steadman has returned to prominence in the absence of Harper and played a big part in last season’s campaign, where they sealed a top-six finish and won the Worcestershire Senior Urn.

Joint manager Craig Payton said: “Tom’s been a bit in the wilderness, he played 12 times for Lye last season but he’s not played for anywhere long since leaving us.

“We’re pleased to see him back, he was an excellent keeper and I am sure working with Darren will only see him get back to his best.”

Meanwhile, Town have looked good since pre-season training began last week, with 24 players taking part regularly.

The only major loss to the squad saw speedy winger Chris Seekings make the jump up two levels to Halesowen Town, who will play in the Evo-Stik Northern League Division One South next season.

As a replacement, wideman Dan Sinton, who had been playing in Germany, has re-signed.

Payton said: “We’ll have 20 players plus four lads from the under-21s to call on and we’ll need that for what is set to be a long season.

“We wish Chris the best of luck, it’s a big jump but you can’t blame the lad for that.”

Bewdley’s summer friendly programme kicks off on Saturday, July 21 when they play Earlswood at Studley (3pm kick-off).

They then entertain Stourbridge three days later in one of the summer’s highlights (7.30pm start).

Sutton Coldfield come to Ribbesford Meadow on Saturday, July 28 (3pm ko), before Oakengates Athletic pay a visit on the following Tuesday (7.30pm ko) in their final pre-season clash before the league starting on August 4.

Meanwhile, former Stourport Swifts coach Paul Scott has joined the club as head coach, replacing Wayne Payton, who is concentrating on Bewdley’s under-14s.

Mark Hodges has taken over Town’s under-21s side after Martin Wescott and Phil Mullen stepped down. He will be working with Steve Donkin and Sean Millette.

Trials for the under-18s and 21s will be held at Bewdley next Wednesday and Friday, July 13. Anyone interested can contact Hodges on 07894 064021.