MICK Tuohy says he is delighted to be back at Worcester City -- after a six-month break.

Tuohy has just returned as first-team coach at St George's Lane, having been axed from former boss Graham Allner's management team in the summer.

But when Tuohy's old friend John Barton asked him if he wanted his old job back, he had no hesitation in accepting.

"I am absolutely delighted to be back, and have had nice comments from the majority of people," said the 43-year-old.

Tuohy, who was a prolific striker for City in the early 1980s, came back to the club as coach in March last year under George Rooney's management.

He was bitter about the manner of his departure from the club at the time. "I didn't figure in Graham's plans and that was a decision that he made, and like anyone you are disappointed not to be wanted.

"Having been interviewed for the job and having returned to the club under George, I had only just started to get to grips with the task which was nowhere near completed."

But he said his break proved beneficial. "I have got a little boy who is 10 months old, and in many ways the short break that I have had came at the right time."

Tuohy and Barton's friendship goes back a long way.

Although their playing careers at City did not overlap, they were team-mates at Kidderminster Harriers in the 1980s, and Barton had asked Tuohy to be his assistant when he took over at Burton Albion in 1994. He declined the offer, to link up with Halesowen Town.

"John and I have always got on really well as playing colleagues and have kept in touch."

Tuohy, who will now supervise training sessions with the help of assistant boss Paul Davies, has reintroduced one significant aspect -- the 'warming down' session for players immediately after matches.

"Because of the amount of games we play, it is scientifically proven to be beneficial."

Tuohy is confident he can help City steer clear of relegation trouble. "It will be a difficult task but there are a number of players here who are of the highest quality.

"Myself, John, Paul, Graham Selby and all the backroom staff will be pulling out all the stops."

Thursday, December 16, 1999.