BROMSGROVE begin life in Midlands Division One West this Saturday when they entertain Worcester at Finstall Park.

Head Coach Dan Protherough is particularly upbeat about Bromsgrove's prospects this term after last season's traumatic season of travelling in National League 3 South West.

Protherough proclaimed: "The club is buzzing at the moment and there's a real different atmosphere to last season. Most pleasing is the fact we've managed to keep everybody on board apart from Jon Critchlow, who has retired from playing and is doing a bit of a coaching with Pershore."

Bromsgrove have boosted their ranks considerably by bringing in Worcester Warriors back row player Jake Abbott as their player coach.

Protherough has reinforced further by adding Old Halesonians pair of full back Chris Hooper and another back row player in James Martin.

Hooper will also take over the kicking duties from Critchlow and already the signs look promising with pre-season victories over Stratford and a 42-0 thrashing of Lichfield last Thursday who play in National League 3 Midlands.

Protherough admitted: "I know the friendly fixtures count for nothing - but we've worked really hard in pre-season and brought in a fair bit of experience at the same time."