TENBURY United have swooped to sign much-admired midfielder Ashley Botwood from close neighbours Tenbury Town.

Botwood is a former United player and was an integral member of the side under former manager Colin Powell.

He suffered a bad ankle injury at the end of last season, forcing him to miss Town’s Division Two title run-in in the Hereford Times Herefordshire League, and there was talk he wouldn’t play much in 2015-16, having moved to Bromsgrove and with work commitments at weekends.

United co-boss Nick Stocker said: “Ash made a decision to take a break from football at the end of last season but he has agreed to play when he can and he will be a great addition to the squad.

“I’ve been trying to get him from Tenbury Town for a couple of years and whatever part he plays, it will be a bonus. He is still a fantastic player.”

Stocker added: “We are also talking to Colin Powell and Mark Benbow. Colin was manager for over ten years but a couple of seasons ago he left to concentrate on a new business and running one of the youth sides. He would be a great addition to the squad.

“Mark has played at Bromsgrove Rovers and Stourport Swifts and would be a major signing. He hasn’t played much in the last few seasons after becoming a dad for the first time but I think he’s getting itchy feet. He can play all over the park and would improve us in all departments.”

United will take part in an 11-team Herefordshire League Premier Division in 2015-16, alongside Orleton Colts, with the county competition switching from four divisions to three. Newly promoted Tenbury Town join Woofferton in Division One while Orleton Colts Reserves will play in Division Two. Both Divisions One and Two will comprise of 13 teams.