A DECISION to ditch Droitwich Spa Football Club’s traditional red and black stripes has provoked a strong reaction from two former club stalwarts.

Former player, manager and long-serving committee member Richard Goode called the move “absolutely disgraceful” after Spa unveiled images of the new red and white home jersey for the coming campaign.

However, current player Max Crisp described the kit as “beautiful”.

A club spokesman said the jersey signalled a “new era for the club”.

Spa are focusing on the future after being denied promotion to Midland League Division One after the end of last term.

Spa lost their appeal to the FA and were stripped of their title triumph having been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player (Crisp) in three matches.

Andrew Pheasant, another former player, manager and long-serving committee member, is also upset with the kit changes.

“Can't believe the red and black has been ditched,” wrote Pheasant @Fezwonder on Twitter. “Shame to break with tradition.”

Goode @_G00de said: “Absolutely disgraceful!!.”

The club spokesman confirmed the Saltmen would not be wearing their traditional black and red stripes for the first time in the club’s 32-year history.

A message on Droitwich Spa’s @DroitSpaFC Twitter account said: "A difficult decision to make, however, after the events of last season the club are looking to start a fresh on and off the pitch.

“We never forget efforts of everyone who has and continue to work so hard at this club over the last 32 years.”

The club spokesman added: “The new home (red and white) jersey signals the start of a new era for the club, and a move away from the traditional red and black stripes synonymous with Droitwich Spa FC since 1985.

“This will be worn with red shorts and socks.

“The new-look away strip will consist of the grey shirt accompanied with gun metal grey shorts and socks.

“We would like to show supporters the designs now in the hope they will be on board with the fresh approach after the cruel disappointment of last season which we as a club are looking to put behind us quickly.”

Last month chairman Peter Lemon revealed Spa had applied to take part in the FA Vase for the first time.

They will play competitive home matches at Stourport Swifts' Walshes Meadow while facilities are upgraded at their King George’s Playing Field headquarters.

The club spokesman said Spa have retained the vast majority of last season’s squad despite transfer approaches made - and rejected - by at least seven players.

The first-team squad have resumed pre-season training, including four of the under 18s – goalkeeper Elliott Hart, 17, defender Cam Green, forward George Moss and 16-year-old midfielder Lewis Williams.

Spa will be hosting four pre-season friendlies at King George’s Playing Field, starting against Kington Town on Saturday (3pm) and then Bewdley Town on Monday (6.45pm).

Spa will then entertain Malvern Town next Saturday (3pm) before travelling to new landlords Stourport Swifts on July 19 (7.45pm).

The Saltmen play their final home warm-up fixture against AFC Stratford on July 22 (3pm) before travelling to Bewdley Town Reserves on August 5 (3pm).