THE worst kept secret among Bromsgrove football fans was confirmed last Saturday when Bromsgrove Rovers were officially placed in the Dr Martens Western League.

Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's team can now look forward to a feast of local derby games next season with the likes of Redditch United, Stourport Swifts and Evesham United.

The expected decision to put the Victoria Ground club in the Western division, because of their geographical location, was taken at the Dr Martens League AGM in Torquay.

Rovers secretary Phil Baker said: "Now we have confirmation we know exactly where we stand.

"What we are looking forward to now is the publication of the fixture list so we can start planning the trips."

Fellow promotion new boys Taunton Town will join Rovers in the Western along with Merthyr Tydfil, who were relegated from the Dr Martens Premier last season.

Rugby United will also be on the fixture list for Rovers next term as they have been moved from the Eastern League to balance numbers.

But the planning has already begun and the squad, complete with three new signings, is scheduled to start pre-season training on Saturday, July 6.

Hackett too is looking ahead to August's kick-off in high spirits.

"I am confident we will do well," he said.

"We have six pre-season games against varied opponents. We are going to have a hard and tough pre-season."

The Dr Martens have also decided to bring their substitution rule in line with the Premiership and Nationwide leagues.

Teams will now be allowed to name five substitutes from the start of the new campaign, of which three can be used during the match.

Rovers currently have no plans for a reserve team so more players may get a chance from the bench.

It also offers clubs the opportunity to name a goalkeeper among their substitutes.

The 2002/2003 fixture list is expected to be announced by the end of June.