FORMER Evesham United player Andy Preece was named as the new manager of Worcester City last Thursday.

Preece, whose parents live in Upton Snodsbury, enjoyed a marvellous Football League career after leaving Common Road in 1986 culminating in a big money moves to Blackpool and Crystal Palace.

Preece's first managerial post was at Bury but he was relieved of his duties at Gigg Lane last season from where he moved to Carlisle.

The striker never lost his eye for goal in the Conference but the lure of a move back to his native county was too good to turn down and Preece agreed a deal to replace John Barton at St George's Lane.

The new manager, a former pupil at Pershore High School, has certainly taken on a tough job with City in freefall down Football Conference North and he endured a losing start last Saturday when Worcester lost 3-1 at home to league leaders Southport.