STRIKER Mike Symons is relishing his new challenge at Worcester City.

The 24-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the St George’s Lane club after being released by Blue Square Bet North rivals Gloucester.

He scored 25 goals in three seasons with the Tigers, helping them to promotion from the Southern League Premier Division in 2009, but only managed seven last term and was deemed surplus to requirements.

However, manager Carl Heeley believes Symons has the potential to be a success and the player is delighted with his move up the M5.

“I am chuffed to bits and I am looking forward to it,” said Symons, whose stay at Gloucester was broken up by a brief spell with county neighbours Forest Green Rovers.

“I had three or four clubs that phoned me so I met with them but I liked what Carl was saying and what his ambitions were.

“I live in Cheltenham so it’s close to home. It’s a fresh challenge and a fresh start.”

Symons, a teacher at Hartpury College in Gloucester, is renowned for his hold-up play and will be called on to make goals for team-mates as well as score them.

He added: “My strengths are holding the ball up and bringing other players into the game. I create a lot of chances for players around me and I am good in the air.

“The first two seasons at Gloucester I was scoring a lot of goals and last year up until Christmas so my aims are to create chances but also get on the scoresheet myself.”