EXPERIENCED midfielder Junior English has been snapped up by Worcester City after he ended his 12-year spell at Solihull Moors.

The 30-year-old’s “know-how” of the Vanarama National League North and ability to play in a number of positions have been highlighted as his key assets by City boss Carl Heeley.

The move draws the curtains on his long-standing relationship with the Solihull side having joined Moor Green’s youth team as a 17-year-old.

English made his first team debut on November 2004 before going on to make more than 300 appearances for the club.

Last season, he was the longest serving Solihull player in Marcus Bignot’s squad who secured the title and promotion to the Vanarama National League.

But English, who has played in every position except goalkeeper during his time at Moors, has decided to join City ahead of the new season.

Heeley said: “Bringing a player to the club with the experience and know-how of Junior is going to be really beneficial for us all.

“He can play anywhere on the park and that is very useful to have in the squad.”

English is City’s fourth signing of the summer having already captured attacking midfielder Sean Geddes, midfielder Richard Batchelor and centre-back Graham Hutchison.

Heeley has also handed promising striker Joe Bates a senior contract following his goal-scoring exploits in the club’s youth ranks.

Bates was also training regularly with the first team during the 2015/16 campaign and Heeley said he had shown “huge potential” which he felt he and coaching team could nurture.

“Joe has impressed me with his development and he is very keen to learn and improve as a player, which is refreshing,” Heeley said.

”He is a local lad and that is the long-term aim as we want to bring through local talent.”

“I would like to welcome Junior to the club and congratulate Joe on gaining his first deal.”

Lee Hughes, Danny Jackman, Kyle Perry, Connor Gater, Tyler Weir, Jamie Smith and Dean Waldron have also agreed new deals following the end of last season.

Goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan, winger Tristian Dunkley, defender Alex Gudger and centre-back Wayne Thomas have announced their departures from the club.