STOURPORT Swifts have been dealt a blow with the loss of striker Paul Moore to county rivals Bromsgrove Rovers.

The ex-Kidderminster Harriers forward played a crucial role in Swifts' promotion to the Dr Martens Western Division but has elected to drop back down to the Midland Football Allliance.

Swifts' coach, Gary Whild, described the loss of Moore as disappointing news after the player had apparently committed himself verbally to the Walshes Meadow club.

"It is a blow the way it happened," said Whild. "He spoke to us and we had agreed terms for next season.

"There was no problem he was happy to stay and then we heard second hand that he had gone to Rovers.

"To be fair we were not looking to lose players but if that is his decision to drop down a league that is up to him.

"We were prepared to go ahead with the forwards that we had and obviously this cuts our options.

"When Paul came to us he was going nowhere and had dropped out of the Dr Martens and had always wanted to play at a higher standard.

"We gave him an opportunity and he delivered goals and did well. I just find it strange that having achieved what he wanted he has dropped down again.

"I think he would have done well in the Dr Martens with better pitches."

Whild confirmed that 17-year-old, Adrian Hipkins, had signed from Bewdley Town as understudy to regular goalkeeper Rob Clarke.

Rovers' boss, Steve Daniels, has also signed the prolific Michael Moore from Stourbridge.