MANAGER John Barton was the key factor in persuading goalkeeper Danny McDonnell to come to Worcester City.

The highly-rated 27-year-old, who joined City on a three-year contract earlier this week, says the City boss impressed him from the moment that talks began.

That proved the main reason why he turned down offers from two Nationwide Conference clubs to join Barton's revolution at St George's Lane.

He said: "John Barton really impressed me first and foremost. He really did come across as an honest bloke and that was one of the over-riding factors.

"The offers from Conference clubs were quite good, but Worcester felt as though it was the right thing to do."

McDonnell had spent four-and-a-half years at Halesowen, following spells at Lye Town and Stourbridge.

He is regarded by many managers, including Barton, as the best goalkeeper in the Dr Martens League Premier Division.

McDonnell said it was a wrench to leave Halesowen. "To be fair it was a difficult decision. Halesowen is a great club and I got on well with the manager and the supporters up there.

"I was very sad to be leaving but sometimes you need a change, and I am just grateful I have an opportunity to play for Worcester now and I am looking forward to it.

"I have played there a number of times before and was always impressed with the size of the club and its potential. It is as big as any club in the area and could easily be as big as Kidderminster."

None of the current City side has played alongside McDonnell before but he is aware of the talent in the squad.

"I have played against them a number of times. Mark Owen is an excellent centre-forward and I know Martin Weir is a class player at the back, and I am looking forward to playing with them."

He believes City are capable of mounting a promotion challenge sooner rather than later.

"I have signed for three years so I would definitely like to think by the time my contract is up, we will be well within touching distance of the championship if we haven't done it already."

City will certainly be hoping that McDonnell's arrival can help change their fortunes against Halesowen -- they haven't beaten the Yeltz, home or away, in their last 10 meetings!