WORCESTER City have made plenty of signings over the summer but one of the most important could be new physio Ruddi Farquharson.

Like many of the players who have joined the Skrill North club, the 51-year-old won’t be a familiar name among supporters.

But, to those in the know, Farquharson is highly-regarded in his profession and, crucially, has a wealth of experience, including 22 years in exercise rehabilitation with the RAF, during which time he treated service personnel in the Iraq war.

He has spent the last eight years with Telford United but left at the end of last season when Liam Watson came in as manager.

Farquharson, who will work alongside City medic Lawson Mayor following the retirement of Martin Obrey, said: “I didn’t intend to take on another physio post with a club but Worcester rang me and asked me if I would be interested in helping out.

“They have got quite a young staff there in terms of qualifications and I have a number of years experience in terms of player rehabilitation. It’s an area I can develop and improve for the club.

“I will be at training at least once a week. I need to get to know the players and understand their injuries.

“I will be there for as many home games as possible. The players also come to see me outside of normal training hours to get them looked at.

“In non-league football you need a level of flexibility because of players’ jobs. My role is to afford the players that and I am on the phone with them after games to give them direction on what to do with an injury.”

Farquharson is also able to ensure City’s players get the treatment they need as quickly as possible, as was the case with new centre-half Sam Smith’s knee injury.

“I was able to get that diagnosed and get access to scans and the operation,” explained. “He’s had that all done in a short space of time.

“That’s my expertise in knowing the medical field.

“The quicker we can get that the quicker they can be playing football and that’s crucial in a non-league environment.”

City manager Carl Heeley believes Farquharson will be a major asset to the club’s fledgling squad.

He said: “We spoke to him straight away and he’s happy to come in and his experience and knowledge of everything is exceptional.

“He’ll strengthen the medical team.

“Although he can’t be there every single training session and game, we feel that what he can give to us is a benefit so we’re happy to work with that.

“He’s a great lad and a good addition to the backroom staff.”

Meanwhile, Thinesh Gobal, who has been assisting Mayor in the treatment room for the past year as part of his University of Worcester studies, has returned to Malaysia after his graduation.