STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers has pulled off a transfer coup with the signing of former West Brom star Wayne Fereday.

The 39-year-old attacker made more than 300 top flight appearances with QPR, where he played alongside Stan Bowles and Ray Wilkins and was in the side who reached the third round of the UEFA Cup before bowing out to Red Star Belgrade.

The former England under 21 and B international moved to Newcastle in a £400,000 swap deal for Kenny Sansom and also played for Bournemouth, West Brom and Cardiff.

But now he is getting used to the more modest surroundings of the Beehive after agreeing to play for the Alliance club.

The veteran winger's appearances are likely to be limited by his PFA work commitments but he has agreed to help out when available.

Studley fielded four new faces as the Bees started their pre-season programme with a 1-1 draw at Ledbury Town.

Craig Pountney started where he left off last season with his side's only goal but was overshadowed by the return of former skipper Mark Davis.

The full back captained Studley to a league and Worcestershire Senior Urn double two seasons ago before moving to neighbours Feckenham.

But after a year with the Millers, Davis is back in the fold at his old club and his arrival is timely with Mat Pendleton rejoining former club Evesham United.

The Studley boss used the match to look at former Folkeston Invicta stopper Ryan Messenger and gave youngsters Scott Walsh and James Hands a place on the bench.

Messenger moved into the area last year but stopped playing after failing to nail down a place at Bromsgrove Rovers.

Walsh has joined pre-season after playing for Combination Division One outfit Fairfield Villa last season and Hands has joined up from third division Halfords.

Chambers expects to recruit former Redditch United midfielder Steve Cross from Midland Combination Premier neighbours Feckenham when he has finished working on Channel 4's Big Brother.

Target man Kevin Rowlands' decision to retire from Saturday football did not stop him turning out for the Bees at the weekend and he seems set to give it another season.

Studley hold their first home game against Midland Combination side Bolehall Swifts on Saturday (ko 3pm).