UNITED States-bound Wayne Thomas says Worcester City is one of the best clubs he has been at during his career.

The 35-year-old centre- half left the Conference North outfit last week ahead of taking up a coaching role with the New York Red Bulls academy.

Thomas has played for the likes of Stoke, Burnley and Southampton over the years but holds the 14 months he spent with Worcester, which included a run to the FA Cup second round, in high regard.

He said: “It’s been fantastic, I’ve had a great experience at Worcester, the staff and the players have been really good.

“When I spoke to the lads before the Solihull Moors game I said it is one of the best changing rooms that I’ve been in in terms of atmosphere and it really has been.

“They had a good squad and at the start of this season I thought we had a real chance.

"The cup run has had its positives and negatives in terms of speeding player development – I think players have moved on a year or two earlier than they would have done had we not had the cup run and got so much publicity.

“Maybe there’s been a bit of a hangover from that but it was great for the club and hopefully there will be better things to come.

“Hopefully they’re going to get this new stadium and the move back to Worcester that the club deserve.”

Thomas, who is due to complete his UEFA A Licence in June and also has youth coaching qualifications, is relishing his new challenge.

He said: “It’s a fantastic coaching opportunity, they’re widely regarded as the best academy set up in the MLS (Major League Soccer) even though it’s relatively new.

“They have a grassroots programme which is where I will be joining at entry level but there’s a real coaching pathway through at the Red Bulls.”