BROMSGROVE Rovers face some lengthy treks in their bid to bounce back from the disappointment of last season.

Rovers' failure to secure a top seven spot has seen them placed in Dr Martens Division One West for the start of the 2004/05 season. The Eastern Division becomes Division One East.

The new non-league structure was finalised on Monday, with two levels of the pyramid now between Rovers and the Conference, instead of just one had they qualified for the Premier.

As a result, the Victoria Ground club now has trips ahead of them to the likes of Ashford Town (Kent), Bracknell Town (Berkshire), Egham Town (Surrey) and Corby (Northants).

Chairman Tom Herbert was not surprised at the teams Rovers have been placed with but highlighted his frustration at missing out on the Premier.

He said: "I am not happy about staying down in this league but what can I say?"

Rovers will be joined by the following teams: Ashford Town, Bedworth, Brackley Town, Bracknell Town, Burnham, Cinderford, Clevedon, Corby, Egham, Evesham, Mangotsfield, Marlow, Oxford City, Paulton Rovers, Rothwell Town, Stourport Swifts, Sutton Coldfield, Swindon Supermarine, Taunton, Thame United and Yate.

Meanwhile, Steve Pope looks to have played his last game for the club.

Captain Pope, in charge for Rovers' last six games, looks certain to move on in the summer and new boss Joe Jackson is resigned to the fact.

Jackson said: "It looks as if we are going to lose Steve Pope. There's talk of Halesowen Town, they are the favourites but the lad wants to play at a higher level. Nothing's happened yet but I am resigned to it."

Pope, recently a father and who lives in Stoke, added: "The location I live in is a problem. I have just got to weigh up my options."

Jackson, who has brought in coach Tom Stokes, also outlined his aims for the club.

"It's pretty simple really," he said. "We have got to be planning to build a side that is capable of putting a real challenge on the league - that's pretty much what our remit is."

Trials for new players are being held on Tuesday, May 25, Thursday 27 and Saturday 29.

For more details contact Ron Mellor on 01527 873219 or 07974 546209.