FORMER Worcester City manager George Rooney has returned to the club as football liaison officer.

Rooney was in charge at St George’s Lane between 1986 and 1989 and again from 1992 to 1998.

He has been appointed in an advisory role as a link be-tween manager Richard Dryden and assistant Carl Heeley, who he worked with as a player, and the board.

The decision was agreed at Wednesday night’s board meeting and chairman Anthony Hampson said: “He will be giving additional support to Richard and Carl and liaising with the board on footballing matters.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge to the club where we feel we need additional help and experience.”

Rooney, also a scout for Premiership club Burnley, said: “I know the club really well and the people in and around it and still have lots of contacts in non-league and the league and I am going to help where and when I can.

“I certainly won’t be in a position where I hold any influence over either party, I will very much be a water carrier at the moment. My involvement will be anything from a couple of hours to as many hours as I can give.”

Manager Dryden added: “I have spoken to George and the more football people at the club the better, so I am pleased.”

A petition calling for the removal of former chairman Dave Boddy were also discussed at the meeting Hampson said: “I have asked him to consider carefully the points made in the letter surrounding Nunnery Way and his involvement in two previous clubs that he has had dealings with.

“I have asked him for his full response to those questions posed. I expect replies by the next board meeting.”

The City chief also said it was likely the annual general meeting would now take place in January.