YOUNG striker Joe Bates has committed his immediate future to Worcester City by agreeing terms for the season ahead.
The 19-year-old was on loan last season at Bishops Cleeve making 29 appearances, scoring six goals and grabbing two assists before making a return to the club on the final day of the season away at AFC Fylde.
Joe is a product of the City youth academy, and after showing his scoring ability off in under-21 games, made the step up to the City first team towards the end of the 15/16 season, appearing on the bench several times.
“It is time to seize my opportunity,” the teenager said.
The Blue and Whites have also taken the opportunity to strengthen their coaching staff with the appointment of goalkeeping coach Simon Phillips.
Simon, a former coach at youth level with Kidderminster Harriers, has been coaching goalkeepers for 20 years and also has been working extensively in the USA where he worked at clubs, colleges and universities.
The 38-year-old said: “I am looking forward to working alongside Lee and John for the forthcoming season.
“My role will not only be to oversee the first team goalkeepers but also the whole of the youth ranks and help provide a pathway for the keepers onto the first team.”
