WORCESTER City's new signing, Matthew Gardiner, has signalled his ambition to help push the St George's Lane outfit to promotion to the Nationwide Conference.

The 27-year-old central defender believes City have the potential to climb out of the Dr Martens Premier League.

"I haven't come to sit in this league, I want to help Worcester go up," he said.

"The Conference is an enjoyable league to play in and definitely one I would want to be involved in again.

"Hopefully we can do better this season and be pushing for a place in the Conference.

"Worcester has a great history and huge potential as a club, which was one of the reasons why I wanted to come here."

Gardiner, who lives in Bromsgrove, is looking forward to linking up again with former Halesowen Town team mates, Danny McDonnell and Ian Reed.

"I know a lot of the players like Danny, Heeley, Cottrill, Reed and Carty and they have got the potential to help City go up," he said.

"If you look at Danny he's one of the best keepers in the league so hopefully we can do well."

Gardiner's football career started at age 16 with Torquay United where he made a handful of appearances before leaving at 20.

He has also played for Shrewsbury Town and Stourbridge and enjoyed three years at Halesowen Town before being snapped up by Graham Turner at Hereford United.

A double hernia hampered his season with the Bulls and, although disappointed to leave Edgar Street, Gardiner said he was looking forward to a new challenge at City.

"With Margate and Burton Albion out of the league I think we have a great chance," he added.

City boss, John Barton, and club chairman, Michael Sorensen, were officially presented with the Dr Martens League Cup by Dr Martens boss and Rushden & Diamonds owner, Max Griggs, at the league's annual meeting in Easbourne.