FANS' favourite Andy Preece today returned to St George's Lane as Worcester City player-boss on an 18-month contract.

The 37-year-old, who played for City in the 1989/90 season, has left Carlisle United to head back to Worcestershire where he grew up.

Preece, who has bagged 13 goals this season for the Cumbrians, enjoyed a fine Football League career with Wrexham, Stockport, Crystal Palace, Blackpool and Bury.

He also managed Bury in a four-year spell in difficult financial circumstances before so nearly helping Carlisle prevent their relegation to the Nationwide Conference last season.