DEFENDER Aaron Dovey could easily fill the left-back void at AFC Ludlow.

That’s the view from manager Dave Cooper, who can focus fully on the new season.

Cooper says Dovey is an ideal replacement for Jamie Marsh who has left the area.

Ludlow will host local rivals Orleton Colts at the Showtime Stadium tonight in a friendly, kicking off at 7pm.

The ground had been under threat of closure after lease holder Matt Davies said he was struggling to pay the business rates.

But local couple Roy and Ruby Delves, who ran the Harry Tuffins range of supermarkets, have stepped in to take over the Showtime Stadium site.

“We still deal with Matt Davies but we are delighted the uncertainly over the future of the stadium is now over,” said Cooper.

“I have informed the West Midlands League and we are all ready to go for the new season.

“We will be playing our home friendlies on the 3G but we will be playing our league matches on the grass surface.”

Jason Mynett scored for Ludlow in last Saturday’s 2-1 friendly loss at FC Stafford.

Ludlow host Orleton Colts tonight and travel to AFC Bridgnorth this Saturday before visiting Church Stretton Town next Wednesday.

“Aaron Dovey is a very impressive player who played for Ludlow Town Colts last season and he could also do a job for us in midfield,” said Cooper.

“He would give us good options but left-back would be ideal.”

“Aaron could be a ready-made replacement at left-back now that Jamie Marsh has moved away and left the club.”

Cooper is delighted to have attracted new sponsors – for the coming season.

“Simon and Sharon Parsonage from Flowfit are sponsoring AFC Ludlow this season,” said Cooper.

“They have been brilliant even when there was uncertainty over the future of the stadium.”

* Tonight’s match kicks off Orleton Colts kicks off at 7pm and entry is £1 per person.