BROMSGROVE Rovers begin their pre-season warm-up this week with two games in 48 hours.

Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side travel to Cradley Town tomorrow (Thursday, 7.45pm) before entertaining Premiership new boys West Bromwich Albion this Saturday (3pm).

There are a lot of connections between Rovers and Albion as joint manager Hackett, Neil Cartwright and Les Palmer have all enjoyed spells at the Hawthorns and some of the players are fans of the Baggies.

Hackett played at the Hawthorns for three years and is expecting a large crowd for Rovers' first home friendly of the pre-season campaign but wants his side to do themselves justice.

Hackett said: "We just want to give a good accout of ourselves as I'm sure we will.

"We are expecting a bumper gate and we are looking forward to it."

Rovers have also confirmed the signing of Stewart Brighton, snatching him from under the noses of rivals Redditch United.

Brighton, a favourite with the Victoria Ground faithful in the early 1990s, turned down a move to the Valley Stadium in favour of a return to his former club.

Hackett and Jon Ford are still looking at a couple of unnamed players with a possible view to signing in time for the new season.

Hackett added: "If we like the look of them then we will add them to the squad."

In five other friendlies, Rovers host last season's promotion rivals Stourbridge Town on Tuesday, July 23 (7.45pm) before Willenhall Town come to the Victoria Ground on Saturday, July 30 (3pm).

Hereford United visit on Tuesday, July 30 (7.45pm) and Rovers go to Causeway United on Saturday, August 3 (3pm at Halesowen Town FC).

Alvechurch host Rovers on Saturday, August 10 (3pm).