STUDLEY have bolstered their squad ahead of the start of the Warwickshire League Division One season with four new signings.
Brandon Miller has rejoined the club from Astwood Bank, whilst Stuart Harris has also returned to Washford Fields from Earlswood.
Meanwhile, Jack Williams has made the switch from Birmingham League Division Two outfit Wombourne and Jordan Hobbis has arrived from Cookhill.
Studley captain Steve Rose said: “All four are fantastic signings, quality players that will really help bolster our ranks.
“It shows we are heading in the right direction being able to attract good players to the club.
“We have a good mix again, last year we really lacked experience but Stuart and Brandon have an abundance of it. Jack is a great signing as he has scored runs at the highest club level you can play at and he is really excited about the challenges.
“I didn’t think we would get him, but he has brought into what we are trying to achieve and wants to be part of it.
“We have also signed Jordan Hobbis from Cookhill – a great signing who will be great to have back at the club.
“A number of players have returned, such as Sean Weller and Josh Gandy, and we are hopeful of confirming another one or two players before we start the season.”
Rose added: “We are looking a lot stronger throughout the club this season.
“Last year was a tough year. I don’t like to make excuses, but we had horrific injury problems and we had a different side every week.
“We settled down towards the end of the year and won the last two games but we know last year was simply not good enough and there are a lot of lads in the changing room wanting to put that right. Fresh faces will also help and we absolutely raring to go.”
It is also exciting times on the junior front at Studley, where the first junior net session of the summer takes place on Wednesday, April 15 from 6pm and will be attended by Warwickshire and England all-rounder Chris Woakes.
There will be a strong Bears connection as former batsman Dominic Ostler will also be there, along with current batsman Ian Westwood and possibly other Edgbaston stars.
Rose said: “We will be working with Jamie Spires (Complete Cricket director and former Warwickshire spinner) again this year and we were lucky to have Tom Milnes on hand at every session last year as well.
“We are continuing to invest heavily in our junior infrastructure and will continue to do so. We are seeing really positive effects in and around the club from having such a strong junior section and I firmly believe you are only as good as your junior section.
“We want to build something for generations to come and we are always on the lookout for new players of all levels.”
Junior training is for anyone aged between five and 17 and it runs from 6pm until 7.30pm. If you cannot attend the launch night but want more information contact Jacki Taylor on 07526 515123.
Dominic Ostler and Steve Rose will be at the junior launch night on April 15. (s)
Tom Milnes helped the youngsters at Studley in 2014. (s)
