JOINT-manager Lee Hooper insists he "can't wait" for the new season to start after it was confirmed Malvern Town would continue to ply their trade in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division.

There was speculation Town could be transferred to the Hellenic League Division One West as part of the Football Association's shake-up to the non-league pyramid - a potential move welcomed by chairman Chris Pinder.

But it was announced on Friday Malvern would stay put and Hooper who has recently been appointed joint-boss along with Dene Whittal-Williams said they were looking forward to the challenge.

Neighbours Pershore Town who were playing in the Midland League Division One last season are one of the new clubs to join the league alongside Haughmond, Shawbury United and Wem Town.

“It’ll be a tough and physical league,” said Hooper whose side finished third in the 2017-18 campaign.

“There are some good teams in there, but we are familiar with most of them so it won’t be a case of stepping into the unknown as it would have been had we been transferred to the Hellenic League.

“We just can’t wait to get started now and we’re ready for the challenge.”