Coaching role for City veteran McDonnell (From Worcester News)

Coaching role for City veteran McDonnell

5:30pm Thursday 14th May 2009

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By Steve Carley »

WORCESTER City will begin searching for a new goalkeeper following Danny McDonnell’s decision to join the backroom staff.

McDonnell has made more than 350 appearances for the St George’s Lane club since joining them nine years ago but has opted for a reduced playing role next season to further his coaching skills.

The 36-year-old only missed three matches last term but was the only keeper on City’s books and manager Richard Dryden was forced to draft in Dave Clarke and Chris Tardif.

Former Team Bath custodian Jake Meredith played in the 3-0 friendly victory over AFC Liverpool earlier this month and could be in the frame as a replacement.

Dryden, though, is delighted McDonnell has agreed to stay with City and not take up an offer from lower down the non-league pyramid.

The City boss said: “He couldn’t commit as much time as he has done in recent years so we have agreed for him to come on board on the coaching side and we will look for a first-choice keeper. I think everybody will agree that for Danny to have only missed three games last season was a massive plus. It will be good to have him as back-up.”

Meanwhile, City’s wait to discover what league they will be playing in next season looks set to drag on.

The Football Association’s leagues committee met yesterday to decide the make-up of divisions for 2009/10 but could not confirm whether City can expect another year in Blue Square South.

An FA spokesman said: “There’s quite a lot of unresolved matters so we are not releasing the full details.

“Promoted clubs will know next week and it will be May 26 when we will be able to release the information.”

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