FORMER skipper Jon Gregory is returning to Avon Street next summer when Evesham will be hoping for another move up the Birmingham Premier League ladder.

The popular all-rounder left the club after steering Evesham to the Worcestershire County League title and has spent the past couple of seasons playing for Overbury in the Cotswold Hills League.

Gregory won't be the only new face at the ambitious club with news that Twyning pace bowler Adam Brookes is also set to switch from the Cotswold Hills League.

Brookes featured on a Sunday for the club last season and he is expected to be joined by a trio of talented teenagers in the shape of Worcestershire Under-16 all-rounder Daniel Sproul and Under-15 batter Sam Cheshire.

A couple of youngsters from Exhall and Wixford are also set to try their luck at a higher level and both Dave Mullett and Sam Smith should prove valuable additions to the Sports Club set-up.

Head coach Simon Price believes the newcomers will be the first of many to strengthen the club's playing pool.

"We've spoken to several others and hopes are high that we will be in a very strong position for the start of the new season," Price admitted.

"It will be good to see Jon back. Ever since he left I have known that he has always wanted to return when the time was right and I believe now is that time."