DUDLEY Sports boss Tony Gore says adding defensive experience was the key reason for signing veteran defender Mark Bache.

The 41-year-old was sacked as manager of Lye Town in May after 16 years as player and boss at Stourbridge Road, where he became a club stalwart.

Gore believes Bache will bring much needed experience to a backline which leaked 87 goals last term.

He said: “Mark played the majority of last season and we need a bit of experience at the back, he ticked all the boxes for us.

“We have a lot of young players who maybe need a push in the right direction and Mark will help us on our way.

“Obviously he is disappointed about what happened at Lye but we were happy to take him.”

Bache is not the only former Lye player making the move to Hillcrest Avenue, after Gore boosted his striking ranks with the signing of former Lye hotshot Marcus Cooper.

Gore got first hand evidence of Cooper’s ability when the striker bagged a brace in Town’s 4-0 win over Sports in March.

The manager will also be able to call on the services of Stourbridge prospects Sam Pearson and Scott Sumner, though players’ player of the season Lee Dimmock has moved in the opposite direction to Cooper by joining Lye.

Gore admits Cooper made a lasting impression after his exploits in the derby.

He said: “He ripped us apart to be fair, he was very impressive.

“We need to score more goals and he will add to that.

“The two lads from Stourbridge have great potential. I’m good friends with Dave King and got to see plenty of their games last season.

“They have the ability to succeed.

“I’m a bit disappointed Lee has decided to leave but obviously he feels the grass is greener at Lye.”

Gore is looking to add six or seven players ahead of the new West Midlands Premier campaign and says he will be speaking to more players in the next few days.

Sports finished last season 18th in the table and the manager says he is anxious to improve on what he admits was a disappointing year.

He added: “It was a shame after the season started so well with the FA Cup, we were poor after that.

“But we finished the season in a positive mood and I’m pleased with how the close season has gone so far.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into it again and we are unbeaten at least!”

Sports will host Ellesmere Rangers in a pre-season friendly on July 24. The club are also looking for an opponent for the following weekend, July 31.