JOHN Snape felt relegated Worcester City “struck while the iron was hot” by landing fledgling manager Lee Hughes.

The cash-strapped club have moved swiftly to appoint Hughes and Snape as joint managers after failing to avoid relegation from Vanarama National League North.

The former Premier League frontman left City during the season when all the squad were made available for transfer due to a lack of funds.

But the 40-year-old has now returned from AFC Telford United and will continue to play.

Snape says he is looking forward to being reunited with Hughes and reckons they will form a “good partnership”.

“I spoke to Lee after Saturday’s game,” said Snape whose side suffered a 4-2 defeat at AFC Fylde to finish in the bottom three.

“His pedigree as a player is something we have missed but also he is coming to us at an age where he wants to move forward with his coaching and management career.”

Ex-Kidderminster Harriers ace Hughes played in the top flight with West Brom and joined Coventry City for £5milllion in 2001.

He plans to start work on his coaching badges this summer.

“Lee is very enthusiastic and willing to put the work in,” Snape continued.

“In terms of his coaching ability he has got a wealth of knowledge which is far superior so there are no problems there at all.

“I think beggars can’t be choosers and Lee wants to do it. You have got to strike while the iron is hot.”

City’s board say they will be at an affordable level next season but rumours the club may drop beyond the Southern or Northern League Premier Division have not been addressed.

A City statement said: "Following a number of discussions over the past two weeks the club board are delighted to announce the appointment of joint-managers John and Lee for the coming season supported by Luca Gabriel, head of City youth development.

"The new management team are committed to rejuvenating Worcester City FC with local players and playing at an affordable level while waiting for developments on a return to the city of Worcester.

"The club board would like to reiterate the great work that John and Danny had undertaken in seeing the season through since Carl Heeley's departure earlier in the year.

"Danny currently wishes to carry on with his playing career only and going forward will be offered playing terms.

"During his time at the club Lee was an influential part of the team.

"His new role as joint-manager will allow him to continue playing football while the club utilise his vast experience and knowledge to coach and develop players.

"The board are excited by this new venture and are actively working with the management team to prepare for the new season, recruiting players and preparing for pre-season friendlies.

"Further player appointments will be released over the coming weeks.

"Your continued support of the football club is very much appreciated and we can assure you of our commitment to the survival of Worcester City FC."