DANNY Jackman is looking forward to pastures new after leaving Worcester City to join Redditch United as player-coach.

The Worcester-born midfielder was offered playing terms to stay at City who have dropped three levels into the Midland League Premier Division.

But the 34-year-old, who stepped up to be Worcester’s caretaker assistant boss in the second half of last season, decided to sign for Redditch where he could progress his coaching career.

“I absolutely loved doing it (coaching) and it’s something I wanted to do more of,” Jackman said.

“The opportunity wasn’t there at Worcester so when Darren (Byfield) explained what he wanted me to do here it was really encouraging.

“I spoke to the chairman as well as Darren and they were both ambitious.

“It’s a club I wanted to get involved in.

“Darren is someone I know well and someone I trust so hopefully we can form a good team and work well together.”

Jackman made more than 300 appearances for a string of sides in the Football League after being released by Aston Villa.

He featured at Stockport County, Gillingham and Northampton Town before heading to Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City.

Since his arrival at Worcester in 2014, Jackman turned out more than 100 times, becoming an influential figure on and off the pitch.

Worcester’s former skipper said he was keen to extend his playing career at the Southern League Premier Division outfit as well as nurture Redditch’s youngsters.

“I’m hoping to use my experience at Redditch to help out the youngsters and trying to bring them along,” Jackman said.

“I still want to play as much as I can and I still have the hunger and the desire for the game.

“But I also want to nurture the young lads and help them improve.

“I’m here to assist Darren so whatever he wants me to do I will give my all which is what I’ve always done.”

Jackman admits he is looking forward to making his debut on the Reds’ 3G pitch at the Valley Stadium.

“Getting to my stage in my career it’s going to be good to play on a nice pitch,” Jackman added.

”I never used to like coming here as a player because of the state of the pitch but now we can look forward to playing every week.”

Jackman is unavailable for the opening pre-season game at Coleshill Town on Saturday but will be back for the first home friendly – against Halesowen Town on Tuesday, July 4.