CARL Heeley has signed for Worcester City's Nationwide North rivals Hinckley United on a one-year deal.

The 35-year-old fans' favourite (pictured left) made the switch to the Leicestershire club after failing to agree fresh terms at City last week.

Heeley's exit from Worcester brought to a close a glittering 11-year stay at St George's Lane, in which he became the club's second highest appearance-maker with 521 games.

This season, the centre-back reeled in more than £5,000 in his testimonial year over the course of three events, including a well-supported friendly match with Championship side Coventry City.

Several offers flooded in but Heeley opted for Hinckley because he wanted to continue playing in Nationwide North.

The father-of-two also works in Hinckley, while the lure of United's new Marston Stadium proved another factor in his decision.

Heeley said: "It's a fresh challenge for me at Hinckley and one that I'm really looking forward to. As soon as they were aware that I had left Worcester, they made contact with me and I liked what I saw with their new stadium. I believe I am still good enough to play at this level.

"It's certainly going to be very strange when I come back to Worcester next season. It will be interesting to see when Hinckley play at Worcester. It will be the first fixture I'll keep my eye out for.

"I'm looking forward to coming back to St George's Lane. I've made an awful lot of friends there and leaving was not a decision I took lightly.

"I wish everybody concerned with Worcester City all the best for the future. I'll certainly always look back at my time there with very fond memories."

Meanwhile, City goalkeeper Danny McDonnell yesterday underwent a successful operation to cure a hernia problem.