FINGERS are crossed at Stourport Swifts over key defender Dave Davies' efforts to pass his driving test.

Davies can no longer get a lift to Walshes Meadow with keeper Rob Clarke or midfielder Willie Dunn who have joined Boldmere and Rushall respectively.

So he will be spending pre-season with Boldmere and bidding to improve on his most recent driving test which he failed.

Chairman Chris Reynolds said: "We want to be building the side around Dave who has been a great asset to the club over the years.

"But it would now take him an hour-and-a-half to get here by train and bus from the other side of Birmingham.

"He has to get up early for his job and I believe he's married with a youngster so it's difficult for him. We are just hoping he will pass his driving test!"

Striker Richard Ball, last season's top scorer, remains at the club as there have been no acceptable offers.

Swifts were hoping to finalise their pre-season friendly list this week with clashes against Hereford and Shrewsbury in the pipeline.

They start pre-season training on Sunday from 10.30am with many of the new signings expected to be there.

Ex-Bromsgrove veteran Mark Crisp leads the list of additions with a string of talented youngsters expected to be involved.