WORCESTER City Football Club is rallying behind assistant manager Andy Morrison who was last week convicted of defrauding the Department of Work and Pensions out of more than £6,500.

The former captain of Manchester City was ordered to carry out a 50-hour community punishment order and ordered to pay £95 costs when he appeared before magistrates in Northwich, Chesh-ire, on Friday.

Dave Boddy, chairman of the club, said: "The matter has been dealt with by the courts. It was an issue which arose before Andy joined the club. Andy has kept me fully in the picture throughout and I'm happy with what he has told me. The club will be taking no further action." The court had heard that the 35-year-old had claimed income support, job seekers allowance and council tax dating from August 2003 to July 2005.

He received £50,000 from the Professional Footballers Association, but never told the authorities. Mr Morrison said he was glad the court case was over and wanted to put the matter behind him. He said: "I had a change of circumstances and failed to inform the DWP (Department Work and Pensions). It was an issue that occurred over three years ago and the money was paid back sometime ago.

"It was an oversight on my part and although there were mitigating circumstances."