SKIPPER Asa Charlton is set to stay with Stourport Swifts despite speculation linking him with Halesowen Town.

The vast majority of the Swifts squad will help the club build on an eighth-place finish in their first season at Dr Martens Western Division level.

Chairman Chris Reynolds said Charlton, a contender for player of the season, wanted to stay and winger Alex Cowley may also remain at Walshes Meadow.

Swifts have made Cowley an offer for next season in case he opts to reject promoted Halesowen who would have to pay a small compensation fee for his transfer.

Reynolds, delighted with Swifts' impact at a higher level, said: "Everyone seems happy to stay at the moment which is great and hopefully there will be a brilliant season ahead.

"Asa has been a good lad since he signed and wants to stay with the Swifts.

"And we've made Alex an offer to stay at the club though we've said if he wants to go, he can.

"But if he doesn't like the terms Halesowen are offering him or they cannot guarantee him a game then you never know.

"Halesowen are a good club with a good following. It depends whether he wants to play football or decides to take the money home."

Reynolds insisted Swifts would not break the bank in pursuit of success and would continue to run on tight purse strings.

But boss Tim Langford can bring in up to six summer signings.

Reynolds said: "We obviously don't pay tremendous amounts of money like a lot of clubs.

"You have to run the club like a business. There is no point spending more money than you bring in.

"It would cripple the club after six months and no-one would thank me for that."

Swifts are trying to arrange friendlies with Worcester, Halesowen, Cheltenham and Telford.

But the pre-season Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup final is in doubt after opponents Kidderminster Harriers disbanded their reserve team.

The player of the season as voted by the players and the management will be handed over tomorrow at Swifts' presentation night along with the clubman of the year award.