Delight as Thomas returns in time for big FA Cup tie - The Worcester Observer

Delight as Thomas returns in time for big FA Cup tie

Worcester Editorial 7th Oct, 2015 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

VETERAN defender Wayne Thomas has re-signed for Worcester City ahead of their FA Cup showdown at Solihull Moors this weekend.

Thomas left the Blue & Whites towards the back end of last season to take up a coaching role with Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls but has returned to English soil to link up with Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner at Aggborough.

The 36-year-old became a cult hero at City after a string of fine performances helped them overcome Coventry City in the FA Cup and take Scunthorpe United all the way to a record-breaking penalty shoot-out.

He made 40 appearances for Worcester – including one in between the sticks against Harrogate Town – scoring one goal, and can include the likes of Stoke City, Burnley and Southampton on an impressive CV.




Gardiner said: “Wayne’s experience will be invaluable on and off the pitch and the whole squad will benefit as a result.

“His leadership skills will complement the other leaders we have in the squad and we hope the supporters will be as delighted as Carl and I to see him back.”


City go into their FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Moors on an unbeaten run of four games, including successive league wins.

They were thumped 3-0 by Solihull back in August, but joint manager Heeley said it would not be as easy for the hosts this time around.

“We are getting a little bit of a foothold on our season and starting to get a little bit of form,” he said.

“It is so much better when we get players on the ball and pass it around.

“That has become a trademark of us but we probably have not done it enough this season.

“It is a tough draw but it is one we will take great support to and can relish.

“It will certainly be a different Worcester City team going to Solihull than it was a few weeks ago in the league,” he added.

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