WORCESTER City have made a number of new signings ahead of the 2024/25 season while retaining several of last term’s title-winning squad.
Manager Chris Cornes has added Charlie Wise, Zac Guinan, Levi Steele, Nathan Hayward and Hayden Reeves to his squad as City prepare to play at Step Four in the Northern Premier League Midlands next season.
Defender Wise stands at 6ft 6in tall and adds valuable experience to Worcester’s backline. Wise counts Evsham United, Banbury United and Bromsgrove Sporting amongst his former clubs.
Cornes said: “I’m delighted to have signed Charlie, he’s a natural leader who’s been a captain at previous clubs and having played a couple of levels above.
“He knows a few of the lads and it will be a seemless transition coming into a fantastic group of players.
“Charlie will add valuable experience and be a massive presence for us in what will be a tough physical league.
“He’s another player that will put his body on the line for the club, his team mates and the fans. Which will make him a fans favourite in no time.”
Forward Guinan scored 22 goals and provided 13 assists in 36 appearances for Studley in the Midland Football League Premier Division last season.
Cornes added: “The signing of Zac is a perfect one for the club, he’s a young Worcester based player with a bright future.
“Playing for Worcester City in front of our fans was a big factor in his decision to choose us over his other options.
“He had a great season with nearly 40 goal contributions and his profile as a player on and off the pitch is exactly what I was looking for to add to the squad and that was important for me.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Zac and I know he’s excited to get going with us and pick up where he left off last season.”
Fellow striker Steele has enjoyed a prolific career to date, scoring 57 goals in 36 games for Southam United while he also scored 16 times in 19 appearances for FC Stratford.
He has also played for Easington Sports, North Leigh, Pershore Town and Evesham United.
Cornes said: “When I heard there was a chance Levi was available, I made sure I got a chance to speak to him about signing for me.
“He’s a typical old fashioned no nonsense centre forward with an incredible work rate and is a nuisance for any defender.
“He scored a very good number of goals last season at step 4 level in a mid table team so I’m hoping he can kick on this season and score a lot more for us.
“He’s a great lad and after speaking to him I knew he was a player that would fit in to the dressing room really well.
“I’m delighted to have Levi on board with us and can’t wait to start working with him.”
Midfielder Hayward returns to the club following a spell with City in 2017/18 in which he made 42 appearances.
Since then, Hayward has played for Bromsgrove Sporting and Halesowen Town in the Southern League Premier Central at Step Three.
Cornes added: “His signing is one that speaks volumes for the club. I don’t need to say to much about Nath, I think his career so far speaks for itself.
“Another signing that fits in perfect for me at the club, his work rate, his attitude and his will to win are exactly what we need and it strengthens the squad going into the new season.
“He’s an excellent player and will be a fans favourite right from the off. He’s a local lad as you all know, he’s played for the club before and feels like he has unfinished business.
“He’s seen how far the club has moved forward over the last 12 months and now the time is right for him to be involved and help us keep moving forward.
“I’m delighted we’ve managed to secure his signing and can’t wait to see him back in a city shirt.”
And young defender Reeves has also linked up with City following a spell with Hednesford Town last season.
Cornes said: “I’m excited to finally get Hayden to sign, we had a chat before last season and when we ended up in the Hellenic league he was put off by the travelling.
“He’s been a leader at previous clubs and he’s type of player I wanted this season to keep pushing the club forward.
“He’s a big dominant centre back, who wants to win and he will be a massive player for us this season and will easily slot into the dressing room we have already.
“I’m over the moon I’ve finally got him to sign for me and really look forward to working with him.”
Worcester have also added Tim Pinder to the club’s coaching staff next term as first team coach.
Pinder spent two and a half years with Darlaston Town who also achieved promotion to Step Four last season.
He coached Sholing under-18’s during his time at university and is a PE teacher by day. He also runs a small sports coaching business – T2 Coaching.
Cornes said: “It was always a priority of mine to add to my management team this season and in Tom I’ve added the right person.
“He’s a brilliant young coach whose passion, dedication and drive will add huge value to us this season.
“He’s already been involved with the planning of pre season training sessions and his attention to detail is clear to see.”
And the club have retained a number of players from last season’s promotion-winning team including Calvin Dinsley, Logan Stoddart, Liam Lockett, Kyle Belmonte, Jordan Lymn, Izak Reid, Dylan Hart, Elliott Hartley, Cam Monteith, Haydn Whitcombe, Joe Stockton, Elliott Keightley, James Batchelor, Taylor Townsend and Reece Day.
The club also confirmed captain Adam Mace will lead the team on the pitch next season after securing his services for another year.
