ALVECHURCH boss Ian Long hailed the loyalty of keeper Charlie Price after he finally committed to the club for the 2016-17 season in the Midlands Premier.

The gifted young shot-stopper’s switch from Stourbridge to the Lye Meadow outfit seemed to stall after Southern League Premier Stratford had made a late swoop for him.

However, after some stern words from the Church manager in last week’s edition of The Advertiser, he reaffirmed his commitment to play for the Worcestershire side.

Price had spent most of last season at the Glassboys but had very little chance to prove himself in a handful of sporadic appearances.

He did shine in Stourbridge’s 2-1 win over Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Trophy last season.

Long said: “Charlie knows I am an old-fashioned manager who believes when a player shakes hands on coming to the club it’s a done deal.

“Fair play to Charlie, Stratford came in for him but hedecided he will sign for us.

“He’s a very good young keeper but he will have to compete with Paul Evans.

“This is a big season for Charlie because he didn’t play very often at Stourbridge. He needs to play regularly this season.”

Long and assistant Richard Colwell have also agreed to sign former player Dale Kenny, who featured for Bromsgrove Sporting last season.

“Dale is very quick and adds a new dimension because last season we lacked a bit of pace,” said the manager.

“Only Jordan Nadat offered us real speed up front so Dale will give us a bit more.”

Meanwhile, it looks like striker Nathaniel Waites could sign for Sutton Coldfield, while Chris Field may not be available to play next season because of work commitments.