BROMSGROVE Sporting joint boss Keith Draper has told departing midfield dynamo James Blake the door is still open if he wants to return.

Blake has left the Rouslers to join former club Evesham United this week and link up with former boss Paul West, who looks set to return to the Robins after the departure of Matt Clarke.

The midfielder has been a revelation since signing for Sporting in the summer and has played a pivotal role in their success so far this season.

Blake will remain on the books for Bromsgrove and Draper has stressed he has left the club on good terms.

He said: “James called me on Monday to say Evesham had been in contact.

“He said the way things are money-wise he could not turn down what he’d been offered. But he goes with my blessing and we wish him the best of luck, he’s been absolutely fantastic for us.

“James will have dual registration and I have told him if it doesn’t work out, then he’s more than welcome at the Victoria Ground again.”

Draper and his managerial partner Graham Scott have already targeted a replacement and hope to have drafted him in ahead of Saturday’s Midland Combination Premier clash at fourth-placed Bloxwich (3pm ko).

Third in the table Sporting go into the weekend’s test in buoyant mood after carving out seven wins in a row. In fact, victory in Walsall could see them go to the top of the table, if results go their way.

Draper though is unwilling to put too much pressure on his team. With only the champions set to win promotion, there looks to be a battle between Sporting, Littleton and Walsall Wood for the top spot.

He said: “We’ve been on a great run and if we lose on Saturday, I want the players to win the next seven.

“We left a few players out on Saturday but we still had a very strong bench, with many players who would get into any team in this division.

“I’ve asked the players what they want to achieve this season but we’re only just starting and won’t be getting carried away.”