NEW City boss Chris Cornes has vowed to deliver ‘exciting, free-flowing football’ for the faithful as he prepares for his first match in charge.
A trip to Brinsford Lane to tackle fellow Midland Premier Division strugglers Wolverhampton Casuals kicks off Cornes’ tenure on Saturday (November 19, 3pm).
The former Bewdley Town gaffer has wasted no time in returning to his former club for striker Dylan Hart, former City defender and captain, Jordan Stoddart and also central midfielder, Connor Jakeways.
Cornes’ return to City was confirmed following the Blue and Whites’ 1-1 draw with Studley at the weekend on the same day the former midfielder stepped down as Bewdley Town boss.
Having started his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cornes had two stints with City during 2006-2007 and again in 2009. He has also turned out for Telford United, Bromsgrove Rovers, Stourport Swifts and Redditch United.
His managerial journey began at Worcester Raiders, where he won promotion from the West Midlands (Regional) League Division One in the 2018/2019 season, before leaving in October 2021.
He spent the end of last season at Bewdley Town where he produced miracles to keep Bewdley in the Midland Premier Division. He leaves them in a very healthy position of ninth after 17 games.
Cornes said: “I want to say how excited and privileged I feel on becoming manager of Worcester City Football Club. I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve got a big task on my hands, but it’s one I am relishing and I’m quietly confident I’ll get it right and have us moving up the league table.
“I am looking forward to meeting the players at the earliest opportunity and getting to know them. I want to set some targets for us for the rest of the season.
“I also can’t wait for the first training session with the players to implement how I want us to play and hoping to get off to a good start in my first game with a win.
“The club has an awesome fan base and I’m hoping that by instilling an on-field identity, through exciting free-flowing football that it will get the fans excited, fill the ground, and give them plenty to cheer about.
“I can’t wait to meet the fans. I’m very approachable so feel free to stop me for a chat after games.”
Chairman Steve Goode said: “We sat down for a chat with Chris, and I have to say, we were blown away by his passion for the game.
“He wants to continue his managerial journey and we feel that this is a perfect fit for the football club.”
Worcester Raiders will be looking to continue their fine recent form when they travel to Mangotsfield United on Saturday.
Raiders go into the Hellenic League Premier Division clash on the back of a 4-1 win over Lydney Town thanks to braces from Jordan Murphy and Joe Billingham. The result at Sixways means Raiders remain in third, just four points off leaders Cribbs.
After a ten-day enforced break, Malvern Town return to Hellenic League action on Saturday with a trip to Chipping Sodbury Town.