STRIKER Craig Wilding has set his sights on firing Worcester City into the Con-ference after becoming the club's first summer signing.

The 24-year-old arrives from Redditch United on an initial one-year deal after impressing new boss Andy Preece with his eye for goal.

Wilding is eager to play at a higher level but, after watching City's FA Cup run and their strong finish to the season, believes he can fulfil his wish at St George's Lane.

"Everyone knows the potential Worcester have got," he said. "I think everyone in the squad is hoping to better themselves. My aim is to do that with Worcester.

"You look at the squad, the fans, the management team, that's why I came here. The fans are great and they get behind you. It was an easy decision really."

Wilding began his football career as a teenager at Ches-terfield and spent a year at York City where he played alongside current City star Chris Smith before moving to Stafford and then Redditch.

Another player he knows well is fellow striker Mark Danks and Preece is hoping the two hit it off on the pitch.

"Ultimately, your strikers get you promoted," said Preece. "If you have got good strikers, you've got a good chance of getting promoted.

"I think with Danksy, Adam Webster, Troy Wood and now Craig, we have got four really good strikers -- all hungry to score goals."

Preece has been tracking the player for some time and is confident he has the right ingredients to make his mark in the coming season.

"I saw him last year and at the back end of the season before," he said. "I've always been impressed with his attitude, his work-rate. I've seen him score goals.

"The thing that stands out with him, especially when I spoke to him, was his enthusiasm to go on and do things with Worcester.

"He's someone who's been on my mind for a while. It's just getting the right sort of player who is hungry and wants to play for the football club first but also wants to improve and go on. He fits all those criteria.

"I think he's good at holding the ball up. He's strong, he'll bring people into play. He works his socks off. He's very committed and scores goals."