FORMER Worcester City striker Mark Owen believes he could put “the fire back in the belly” of the Vanarama National League North strugglers if given the opportunity to be their manager.

Owen has expressed his desire to take over the reins at Worcester following the departure of Carl Heeley last weekend.

During his time at the Blue and Whites, Owen scored more than 100 goals to cement himself as a fans’ favourite.

He also runs a football academy, based at the Heart of Worcestershire College, which works in partnership with City.

The 39-year-old, who is joint-manager at Droitwich Spa, insists his heart is in the club and is adamant he can help bring stability and put out a team to be proud of.

“I have been contacted by a few people asking whether I would be interested and it would be a great opportunity for me,” he said.

“I have been working for City as a player and a coach since 1999 and my heart is in the club.

“I am obviously at Droitwich which is going well at the moment.

“But if a club who are so close to my heart like Worcester City come calling then I would love the opportunity.”

City chairman Anthony Hampson said he had already received “many expressions of interest” in the managerial vacancy.

Owen’s Droitwich side play in Midland League Division Two, five tiers below Worcester, but he is confident he would be able to make the step-up.

“I have been managing and coaching since I was 23,” said Owen who has helped develop City players Dean Waldron and Jamie Smith.

“I have played at the level so it would not be an eye-opener for me as I know what would be expected.

“Carl did an unbelievable job there and he hadn’t managed a football club before Worcester so you can only gain experience by being given an opportunity.

“It would be an honour to manage the club. My heart and my mind are in it and I only want what’s best for City.”

City are five points and two places above the league drop zone having put together a sorry record of 10 league games without a win.

They have also been in exile since 2013 and face an uncertain future with money running out.

But Worcester-based Owen, who guided City’s under 18s side to the second round of the FA Youth Cup in 2013, is determined to “get the fans back” supporting them.

“The club need stability,” he added.

“They need to plan long term, not just short term, and that includes working with more local players.

“It is also about putting out a side I can be proud of, the players can be proud of and ultimately the supporters can be proud of to get the fans back.

“Looking at the FA Cup games against Coventry and Scunthorpe the support is there.

“But it is just about getting it to breathe again and having that fire back in its belly instead of the negativity which is surrounding the club.”