FORMER Worcester City favourite Graham Hutchinson has rejoined the Blue and Whites – with manager Carl Heeley hailing the centre-back a ‘key signing’.
The 22-year-old will return for the 2016/17 campaign, less than two years after leaving City for Halifax.
Hutchinson was one of a number of players who caught the attention during City’s FA Cup exploits in 2014 and moved on to FC Halifax Town for a five-figure sum.
Speaking about the signing, Heeley said: “Graham is a player that we signed a few seasons ago from Birmingham City.
“He’s a great lad, he loved his time here and we loved his presence and we’re absolutely delighted to have him back.
“He moved on whilst Halifax were playing in the National League with our best wishes.
“We’re over the moon to have Graham back on a free transfer after he spent last season on loan with Telford United.”
Off the field, City moved quickly to replace Matt Gardiner after his departure to Kidderminster Harriers by naming first-team coach John Snape as Heeley’s new assistant manager.
The Blue and Whites will now look to add to the coaching staff with the recruitment of a new first-team coach.
City will come up against Gardiner’s new side after the make-up of the Vanarama National League North was confirmed for the 2016/17 campaign.
As well as a return to Aggborough for a league game with their former landlords Kidderminster Harriers, City will also face Altrincham and Halifax who were relegated from the National League alongside Harriers. Being promoted from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier are Salford City and Darlington 1883. Salford are part-owned by former Manchester United stars Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, while Darlington were formed from the ashes of the former Darlington FC
A competitive National League North will also feature former league side Stockport County, beaten play-off finalists AFC Fylde and FC United of Manchester.