IAN King has been named Worcester City’s new first team coach.

The 41-year-old from Daventry joins manager Carl Heeley and assistant boss John Snape in a staff restructure following Matt Gardiner’s departure.

During his playing days, King was considered a skilful wide midfielder who had faced Heeley and Snape on numerous occasions.

After starting out at Aston Villa, King moved to Stoke City before playing for the likes of Rushden and Diamonds, Stevenage and Nuneaton.

He finished his career at semi-professional level in Australia where he also gained an honours degree in physical and health education and began teaching in a prestigious school in Sydney.

Since returning to England, King joined Birmingham City’s academy in 2012 and will now combined his full-time job in football education with his role at City.

A club spokesman said he had a “great reputation” with a “great range of contracts” from within the game.

“We would like to extend a warm welcome to Ian and wish him every success in his time with the club,” he added.