IMPRESSED Bromsgrove Sporting boss Paul Smith already accepts he'll have some difficult decisions to make when the football season starts.

His squad have already completed four training sessions this summer and Smith insists: "The players are absolutely flying. It usually takes a bit of time to settle and I can't understand just how well and quickly everything has clicked into place.

"I couldn't be more happy with the players at the moment, but that in turn has made life much more difficult for me.

"I intend to run with a squad of 18 players, with maybe one or two provisos.

"That means four or five of the lads currently training with us will have to step aside and I've absolutely no idea at this point who it will be.

"I brought in six new faces in addition to the existing squad from last season and they have given me everything so far.

"But you can never tell how things will work out. I never expected Andy Nicol or Luke Shorthouse to go so early."

Smith is determined to have his players hit the ground running for their opening fixture - which will be an FA Cup game on August 5.

Sporting commence their pre-season programme with a trip to Chelmsley Town on Wednesday, July 5.

But Smith has deliberately designed the summer campaign to conclude with a couple of challenging fixtures.

Sporting will entertain Conference North side Leamington on Saturday, July 29 before travelling to Southern League Premier club Stratford Town on Tuesday, August 1.

Smith added: "We finish our pre-season programme with two really strong fixtures and that should put us in really good stead for the season ahead."