NEW first-team coach Ian King has vowed to bring a “level of professionalism” and a “winning mentality” to Worcester City.

King has joined the backroom staff at the Blue & Whites ahead of the new season and says he is “extremely excited” about working with manager Carl Heeley and assistant boss John Snape.

He was on the coaching team at Leamington, who narrowly missed out on promotion to Vanarama National League North last campaign.

The 41-year-old also spent four seasons as a youth coach at Birmingham City and made appearances for a host of clubs during his playing career, including Rushden & Diamonds, Stevenage, Nuneaton and Kettering.

“Hopefully, having the experience of playing and coaching at professional and non-League level will allow me to play a part in getting the best out of all players at Worcester,” he said.

“I have a thorough knowledge of both levels and lots of contacts in the professional game as well as at this level.

“Having worked at professional clubs for several years, I will bring a level of professionalism and solid organisation to the club along with an enthusiasm and winning mentality.

“Hopefully, this will add to the great work Carl and John have already done at City.”

Worcester ended the 2015-16 campaign in 17th position, two points above the relegation area, but King, who only finished his playing career two seasons ago at Daventry Town, is confident his new side can make strides next term.

“Having played against Worcester, I know it’s a very strong non-League club with an excellent fan base who really get behind their team,” said King.

He will combine his duties at City with a full-time job at the League Football Education, where he manages the apprenticeship programmes of young players at nine professional clubs throughout the Midlands.

King continued: “I am extremely excited to join the coaching staff and looking forward to working with the players and staff at the club.

“I hope to play an integral part in helping the club progress further and finish as high up the Conference North table as we possibly can this coming season.”

The Daventry-based father-of-two, who describes himself as a “football geek”, says he has also benefitted from working in Australia, coaching Sydney FC.

“The pace of the game was a little slower in Australia, but it was very technical,” said King, who gained an honours degree in physical and health education while Down Under.

“The players in Australia are extremely fit and technically very good in general. Due to the heat, the tempo of games can be slower with an emphasis on more build-up play from the back.

“The game is becoming much more technical out there and the A League is getting stronger each year.”