ALVECHURCH were forced to call off their proposed trip to Tipton Town this week following a chance visit to the ground by boss Ian Long.

The Church manager was ironically delivering a kitchen unit close to the ground and decided to pop in and take a look.

Long revealed: "I couldn't believe what I saw. The pitch was in a dreadful state. It's council owned and hadn't been looked after as there were holes all over the ground which I assume had been created by either foxes or rabbits.

"Some of the holes were bigger than my foot and the pitch was just downright dangerous."

It means Church will have to delay the start of their pre-season programme until Saturday when they are due to visit Hereford Lads Club who have just been promoted to the West Midlands League Premier Division having won Division One last term.

Long said: "They beat Westfields in the county cup last season and then lost to Hereford 4-1 in the final at Edgar Street, which suggests they are a decent side."

Long has added to his squad by snapping up experienced striker Kyle Brady.

The frontrunner has featured for a number of Northern Premier League sides and Long added: "Kyle spent the latter part of last season with AFC Wulfrunians where he helped keep them up.

"He's been training with us during pre-season, but I've kept that under wraps until he signed because I knew a number of other clubs were interested.

"Kyle can play in a variety of roles and holds the ball up very well. His signing has given up a considerable number of options up front."