WEST Bromwich Albion’s stars of the future will be visiting Lye Meadow for Darren Byfield’s home debut as Alvechurch manager.
The Baggies Under-23s will head to Church on Saturday, July 13 in one of three changes to the club’s pre-season programme.
Alvechurch will play Albion rather than a previously arranged trip to Walsall Wood, while the planned friendlies at Westfields (July 23) and Aberystwyth (July 23) have also been cancelled.
Church will be in action for the first time this summer on Tuesday when they travel to Midland League Division One side Littleton.
Byfield says he cannot wait for the games to start.
Training at The Hayes began last week, with Byfield looking to blend the players who helped the club finish fourth in the Southern League Premier Central with the influx of seven new recruits so far.
“Everyone has enjoyed the sessions,” said the manager. “I’m getting to know the players who were at Alvechurch last season and integrate the new players.
“We’re working and I’m excited to see how we shape up.
“We’ve got a mix of games during pre-season, starting with the game at Littleton and then playing West Brom. It’ll be a good test for us against Albion although a few players will be away. That happens at this time of pre-season, it is what it is and we’ve got enough games to look at everyone.”
Byfield has already recruited seven new recruits, including five from former club Walsall Wood, but talks are ongoing with other potential targets.
He confirmed he has players in mind but at this stage of the summer players are keeping their options open.
“I’ve spoken to several players who will be going for trials at clubs higher up the leagues and they will remain an option,” added Byfield.
“Hopefully they will get their chances at the higher level but if not we’ve already registered our interest with them.”
FRIENDLIES: Tue July 9 v Littleton, A (7.30); Sat July 13 v West Bromwich Albion U23s, H (3.00); Tue July 16 v AFC Wulfrunians, A (7.30); Sat July 20 v Leamington, H (3.00); Tue July 30 v Halesowen Town, A (7.45); Sat Aug 3 v Evesham United, H (3.00).
