ALVECHURCH insist they did everything within their power to keep hold of highly rated central defender Ash Carter following his move to National League North side Nuneaton last week.

Carter still had a year to run on his current deal with the Church - but both clubs have now agreed a deal for an undisclosed fee.

Church secretary Steve Denny said: "We didn't want to lose Ash, but he still has ambitions of playing in the Football League again.

"Although he was still under contract, Ash made it clear that he wanted to play at a higher level.

"He'd already attracted interest from Forest Green Rovers and had trained with them. But he was finding the travelling difficult as he doesn't drive."

Carter becomes the third Church player to switch ranks and join Nuneaton this summer following the departure of Babacar Suane and Yusifu Ceesay.

Denny added: "We offered all of them improved terms and pushed it as far as we could. But we just couldn't compete with Nuneaton financially, although it's not always about the money, but a chance to play at a higher level."

Carter has already featured for both Kidderminster Harriers and Chesterfield in the past and becomes the fifth player to depart from Lye Meadow this summer.

Church have also lost defender Jamie Ashmore to Central League rivals Redditch United, while Jordan Nadat has joined Sutton Coldfield Town.

But arriving in the opposite direction has been defender Joshua Ezewele who has previously been at AFC Fylde and West Brom.

Midfield man Danny O'Callaghan has joined the Church from Sutton Coldfield Town while striker Mamoke Akauna has been snapped up from Carlton Town.

Church have also signed 17-year-old prospect Kieran Cook from Wednesfield who doesn't hit 18 until next month.

Steve Denny said: "Kieran comes to us very highly rated. He can operate up front or can play just off the striker.

"We've also added defender Kyle Morrison who could prove a ready made replacement for Ash Carter although we also have Jamie Willetts and Andy Parsons who could both play in that role."

Church commence their pre-season campaign with a trip to West Midland League side Malvern Town on July 12.

That is followed by a journey to another West Midland League outfit Wolves Casuals on July 14.

Busy Church then take on Kidderminster Harriers in the semi-final of the Worcestershire Senior Cup on July 17 with the winners facing either Evesham United or Redditch United in the final on July 21 at a venue still to be decided.

Church then take on Bromsgrove Sporting at home on July 24 before visiting Rugby Town on July 26.

Church continue their hectic pre-season programme with a trip to Paul Smith's Highgate United on July 28 before travelling to Sporting Khalsa on July 31.

They complete their schedule on Friday August 3 by entertaining Evesham United.