LAST season's captaincy duo of Luke Rowe and Aaron Roberts have delighted boss Paul Smith by staying at Bromsgrove Sporting.

Skipper Rowe and vice-captain Roberts are joined by keeper Ollie Taylor and midfielders Billy Shaw and Keanu Cooper in extending their spells at the Southern League Premier Division Central club.

Smith said: “Our goals against column last year deserved to get us a lot further up the table so I’m delighted to welcome Aaron and Ollie back to the club — I thought both had tremendous seasons last year.

“Getting Luke back was vital — he was a crucial cog in the Sporting wheel last season and he will undoubtedly prove invaluable to us once again.

“He’s some boy is Billy — another who I worked with at Halesowen — and he had a brilliant season here last year. He covers every blade of grass and pops up with important goals.

“Keanu had a stop-start type season last year but there is no doubting the quality he has on his day. The way we are looking to play will suit him and I’m sure he will flourish.”

Rowe said: “I’m thrilled to be back at Sporting for another season. The gaffer has laid down his targets to me and how he sees the club moving forward and that’s something I’m over the moon to be a part of!

“It’s an honour to be able to lead the club again this season in the right direction with the new players and new staff coming in.

"I hope to see all the same faces in the stands and some fresh ones as well to be the 12th man which you did for large parts of last season.

"As for this season coming, you will be a vital part in our journey. It’s a new chapter under Bromsgrove Sporting with the new chairman and board alongside the new gaffer and I’m looking forward to being part of the success pages in Bromsgrove Sporting’s book.”