FORMER Arsenal boss Bruce Rioch is the next test for Stourport Swifts' impressive debut season in the Dr Martens League Western Division.

Rioch has taken over Saturday's opponents Gresley temporarily after ex-Bolton colleague John McGinlay returned to Scotland due to a family bereavement.

With experience at Bolton, Norwich and Middlesborough as well as the Gunners, Rioch led improving Gresley for the first time in their FA Trophy game with Bilston last night.

Fourth-placed Swifts, who have had more than a week's break from action, could hit the top of the table with a win if other results go their way.

The game will now kick-off at 1pm, due to the England match, with a coach leaving Walshes Meadow at 10am and the Land Oak at 10.30am.

Swifts assistant boss Gary Whild admitted coming up against Rioch would be a big challenge.

Whild said: "He's obviously handed it over to a good person, he's not a rookie by any means!

"Rioch has a wealth of experience and this underlines how big a club Gresley are because a few seasons ago they were on the verge of the Conference.

"They have more than 300 watching at most of their home games and they have been picking up some good results to go seven games unbeaten.

"Gresley looked a decent team when we beat them 2-0 earlier in the season and are big, strong and physical.

"Rioch's obviously high profile and the players will probably react to that. At the same time, McGinlay is also fairly high profile. Hopefully, it will be an incentive for our players too."

Swifts took to the five-a-side pitch for training on Tuesday and report again tonight for a more run-of-the-mill session.

Striker Tim Langford (stomach) and Willie Dunn (knee) should both be missing.

Whild added: "If we want to sustain a challenge at the top of the league, we need to be picking up away results."

Swifts entertain Redditch in the Dr Martens Cup on Tuesday (7.45pm).