JOHN Snape has been appointed assistant manager at Worcester City after stepping into the role for the final two games of the season.

The former City player has been first team coach at the Vanarama National League North outfit since July 2013 and manager Carl Heeley said he “deserved” the promotion.

The move is part of a shake-up of Worcester’s backroom staff following Matt Gardiner’s decision to leave his position as joint-boss to become head of coaching at Kidderminster Harriers.

City are also looking to bring in a first team coach to work alongside Snape and Heeley who agreed to take sole charge of the Blue and Whites for the 2016/17 campaign.

Heeley described his new assistant, who played for Worcester between 2002 and 2005 and had a nine-month spell managing the now-extinct Bromsgrove Rovers in 2009, as “trustworthy” and a “great asset” to the club.

“I have known him for many years and he is a reliable, solid chap and he deserves an opportunity to step up,” he said.

“I am delighted to have him on board at Worcester because he has got so much to give.

“There is an honesty about him that is sometimes difficult to find and he will be a great asset to the club, like he has been already.”

Heeley also revealed he had “three or four” candidates join his coaching team and did not rule out adding a player/coach.

“We don’t need to panic as it’s a long old break and a lot of things happen in the summer and develop, including staff,” Heeley said.

“We will get the best possible people that we feel will come in and give us the best opportunity to be successful.

“You need two people (to work with) as it is difficult to get out and watch games and do all the many tasks that require doing.

“In an ideal world we will get a coach, but that maybe somebody who does a dual rule, so they play as well.

"But we have got candidates to consider for both - as a player/coach and just as a designated coach.

“So we will see what the next couple of weeks will bring.”