STUDLEY have offered former Redditch United manager Nicky Cross a route back into management with a player-coach role next season.

The veteran striker, who left the Valley in November after a run of disappointing results, is thinking over whether to hang up his boots and end a distinguished playing career.

Assistant manager John Mitchell could be set to take a step back because of work commitments.

Manager Mark Chambers was set to recall a trio of his absentees after Saturday's 1-0 loss to Oadby.

Midfielder Mark Beddowes is available for Saturday's trip to basement boys Cradley Town (ko 3pm) after flu and should be joined by Ian Mitchell (unavailable) and player-coach Trevor Whittington (work commitments).

But midfielder Gavin Barratt has had the extent of his latest injury blow confirmed and has been ruled out for the rest of the season and Steve Duncan will be rested until the Worcestershire Senior Urn final next Tuesday (ko 7.30pm) because of a groin problem which has dogged him all season.

Right midfielder Brett Skinner made his first start for the club at the weekend and will be hoping to play himself into contention for the Aggborough final. Chambers is hoping Duncan and fellow midfielder Steve Hands will opt to commit to the club next season despite interest from Dr Martens Western neighbours Solihull Borough.

Hands is also understood to be interesting Evesham United.