JOINT manager Lee Hughes has spoken of his determination to pack his Worcester City squad with home-grown talent for next season.

The 40-year-old striker insists he wants players to be from “as close to Worcester as possible” and be willing to “run through a brick wall” for the club.

Last season, the Blue and Whites recruited players from as far afield as Manchester before succumbing to relegation from Vanarama National League North.

But with Hughes and John Snape now in charge of City, the duo are keen to scour Worcester and the surrounding areas for gems.

“We want to get local and young lads in instead of getting players in from all different areas,” he said.

“We want them to be from as close to Worcester as possible because supporters want to see that.

“I have got people looking out for me for different players and I have had a lot of phone calls already.

“I will invite a few in for pre-season training and we will see where we go from there.”

Hughes has played for West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City, Oldham Athletic, Blackpool, Notts County and Port Vale during his career. 

The experienced forward said he would use his contacts within the game to boost City’s ranks, revealing he had already been in touch with Baggies’ development coach Darren Moore.

However, the ex-Kidderminster Harriers ace insisted any player who comes to City must have “a lot of desire”.

“We want people who want to play for Worcester and will run through a brick wall for the club,” he said.

“I will take someone with more heart and desire than ability. I have seen so many players with ability and they just go nowhere.

“If you have got both you will be playing a lot higher, but if you have got a lot of desire you are halfway there.”

Rumours have been circulating cash-strapped Worcester may drop two levels below Southern League and Northern League Premier Division.

“Me and John are looking to get a lot of local players involved and get a little bit of experience in there as well,” Hughes said.

“I have already been on the phone to Darren Moore and other people, but we have just got to see where we are at.”

As well as playing in the Premier League with West Brom, Hughes has also had plenty of experience in non-league.

And he believes that knowledge will stand him in good stead as he begins his managerial career.

“I started at non-league level as my first ever club was Oldbury United,” he said.

“I have forgotten what league they were in, but it wasn’t the best in the world.

“Then I played for Kidderminster in the Conference, so I have played in every league from Conference North to the Premiership and have knowledge of all of them.

“I have got many contacts within the game so hopefully they will give me a few favours.”