ATTACKING football and a commitment to improve and develop players are at the heart of Worcester City’s new management duo’s ethos.
Keenen Meakin-Richards and Graham Deakin were unveiled by the Blue and Whites last night (Wednesday) and will be in the dugout for Saturday’s clash with Uttoxeter Town.
The pair were previously manager and assistant manager at Hednesford Town for two seasons leading them to their best league finish in five years.
Keenen’s playing career saw him start at Wolvehampton Wanderers, then he moved on to Walsall before spells with Hednesford Town, Stafford Rangers, Hinckley United, Bromsgrove Sporting, Walsall Wood and Coleshill Town.
A well-qualified and well-respected coach, Keenen who holds the coveted UEFA Coaching License.
Graham also played at Walsall before having spells at Tamworth, Redditch United, Bromsgrove Rovers, Sutton Coldfield Town, Rushall Olympic, and as player-coach at Romulus.
On joining the Club, Keenen and Graham said “We are both extremely delighted and privileged to be given the opportunity to manage such a great club.
“It’s fair to say that Worcester City is the only club we would have dropped levels for and that is based on the potential and aspirations of the club.
“Following a meeting with the club recently, we could see the passion and desire by all to drive this club forward which met our own ambitions, and with the project in hand made it an easy decision for us.
“We like to play an attacking brand of football, and work with players to help improve and develop regardless of their age or experience.
“We are really looking forward to Saturday’s game against Uttoxeter and getting started, and to meet the supporters. There is an awful lot of football to be played this season and we both are very ambitious.”
The new management team will be meeting the playing squad this evening (Thursday) before taking their first training session ahead of Saturday’s game.
On the new appointment, chairman Steve Goode said: “We are excited to welcome this highly rated management and coaching team to Worcester City FC.
“Following discussions, our focus was to recruit a management team with not only ability, but one that has the drive and enthusiasm to develop the club. The experience that Keenen, Graham, and their team will bring was clear to us all that their ambitions worked well with Worcester City Football Club.
“I look forward to welcoming our supporters to Claines Lane on Saturday for the visit of Uttoxeter Town, as we embark on a new era. I would also like to wish the new management team all the very best for their opening game in charge.”