EXPERIENCED striker Tim Langford is bidding to help Stourport Swifts through their first Dr Martens League Western Division campaign.

Langford has joined Rod Brown's men for pre-season training after a few years out of the game and is "as keen as mustard", according to assistant boss Gary Whild.

The forward, now in his mid-30s, has played in the Football League with Wycombe Wanderers as well as in the Conference with Telford United and Kidderminster Harriers on loan.

Swifts are preparing for their first pre-season friendly at home to Hereford United next Thursday (7.45pm).

They are boosted by centre-back Mark Dearlove who is starting his rehabilitation after knee surgery.

Whild said: "The turn-out for pre-season has been good. There have been 20 or 22 working really hard and doing a lot of stamina and hill training.

"We've got players looking forward to playing their first season at this level and others who have played there before but see it as a challenge to step back up again.

"Tim Langford is one of those looking forward to that challenge. He was always a penalty-box player and you don't tend to lose that.

"He hasn't been doing serious training for the last two seasons but he's worked really hard.

"The new signings have all fitted in well and quickly. Asa Charlton was probably the least known but he's done really well and looks as fit as anybody."

Swifts' Midland Alliance shield is on show in the town's Flower Cellar shop in the High Street.