WORCESTER City boss John Snape has stepped up his efforts to retain as many of last season’s players, with six more Blue and Whites signing up for the new campaign and two leaving for pastures new.
Matt Birley, Jordan Stoddart, Nick Turton, Dave Reynolds, James Baldwin and keeper Matt Gwynne have all joined left-back Jamie Smith in pledging their immediate future to City while Benji Robinson and Alex Tomkinson have left Snape’s squad ahead of the new Midland Football League Premier Division season.
City favourite and the Players’ Player of the Year Birley, who has played more than 150 games for City, will take on a player-coach role which will aid his learning towards his coaching badges which he began last season.
Birley made 38 appearances during the 2017/2018 campaign, scoring twice.
Stoddart, one of the architects of the league’s best defence, has vowed to return after 24 appearances last term following his move from Cirencester Town. The commanding centre-half’s arrival saw City tighten up defensively and keep nine clean sheets in the last 15 games of the season.
“I am really pleased to have signed, looking forward to getting back out there in the blue and white, and hopefully bringing in some silverware in the new season,” he said.
Turton has put pen to paper on a new deal after two goals in nine games following his move from AFC Wulfrunians in March where he netted 14 times in 35 games.
City’s hopes for promotion received a huge boost when last season’s top scorer Reynolds signed up with a pledge to better last season’s tally of 30 goals in 46 games.
“I’m pleased to have signed for the club again. I am determined to improve on last season and hopefully end the season with something for the fans to celebrate,” he said.
Snape was delighted to retain both Turton and Reynolds.
“Towards the end of last season you could see their paring was really starting to work and hopefully that relationship will continue to blossom into next season,” said the manager.
Baldwin played 42 times last term, netting seven goals with a number of assists, and said he was itching to get going again for the new season.
Keeper Gwynne made 23 appearances last term and was one of seven goalkeepers used during the season.
“I am delighted to be staying with the club for 2018/2019,” he said.
“I am looking this year to cement my place as number one and the thought of leaving the club never entered my mind, I cannot wait to get going.”
Meanwhile, striker Robinson has left the club ahead of starting at Nottingham Trent University this summer and will look for a club closer to the university after talks with Snape.
Winger Tomkinson has left the club and rejoined Barwell after 32 games for the Blue and Whites last season and eight goals.
Snape said: “The travel from his Coventry home proved to be difficult but we wish Alex all the best and everyone would agree his performances deserve a step up in the league pyramid.”