STEVE Goode has vowed to “kick-start” Worcester City after being voted in as the club’s new chairman.

The 55-year-old from Battenhall described his appointment as a “very proud” moment as he follows in the footsteps of his father George who led City from the late 1970s until his death in 1982.

Since his love of City started at the age of seven, Goode said he had done “every job” at the club as he sold tickets on match days, worked behind the bar and even played in goal for charity games.

But Goode will now take the hot-seat, replacing outgoing chairman and director Anthony Hampson, and is determined to do all he can to “save" his beloved City.

“My dad lived for Worcester City. He was always there and I tagged along,” Goode said.

“It has been part of my life. I am sure if I fell over and cut my leg open there would be blue blood.

“I am very proud to be chairman of Worcester, especially following in my dad’s footsteps. People said he was 'Mr Worcester City' and when he died the club died too.

“I have been really pleased with the response I have received so far. It has been outstanding.”

Cash-strapped City ply their trade in the Midland League Premier Division after taking a three-tier drop last year and have been in exile since 2013.

“Over the years the way the club has gone from mostly being a top non-league team in the 1970s to where we are now really hurts me,” Goode said.

“I guess some of that could have been diverted but at the end of the day what has happened has happened.

“I am just glad that I have got the opportunity to pick the pieces up and try to get Worcester City back to a level of football fans can be proud of.”

Goode will be joined on the board by Worcester City Supporters’ Trust chairman David Wood, Tom Swan and Simon Gregory.

Martin Pinches has retained his place while Goode said Colin Layland would remain as vice-chairman “We have been talking about this for six months and decided the time was right,” Goode added.

“If we don’t do it now there won’t be a club in 12 months’ time.

“We thought this was the last-chance saloon so let’s get in and do what we can.

“It looks like with everyone willing to help this could be the best thing we could have done for the club.

“It is about re-energising Worcester City and giving it a kick-start to make everyone want to follow the team again.

“If things kick off the way I am hoping and everyone pulls the same way I think it will get better and better. But it is not going to happen overnight.

"The board meeting was very positive and all of us are really pleased Colin and Martin have decided to stay involved with the club."

Hampson steps down after eight years at the helm having replaced Dave Boddy in November 2008.

Asked about his relationship with Hampson, Goode said: “As a person I would not criticise Anthony.

“I have had laughs with him and I have been upset with him.

“But over the past six months I stayed away from the club because I wasn’t happy with what was going on.

“A lot of my friends stayed away from the club as well but all of those people are going to start coming back now.”