IT’S been emotional – few phrases could be more fitting for the relationship between Worcester City and Mark Danks over the years.

Whether he had you screaming through joy or frustration you could pretty much guarantee the enigmatic hitman would have you on the edge of your seat, in the Midland Football League era as much as the Conference North.

Across three spells in 12 years there were plenty of goals and more than a few notes taken by referees but City fans could not help but love their feisty forward.

One of his most endearing qualities – to us on the press bench at least – is that he usually has something to say and always tells it like it is.

You will be glad to hear nothing has changed as Danks reflects on his career in blue and white ahead of lining up against the one club that remains close to his heart as player-assistant manager for Stourport Swifts today (3pm).

TOP MEMORY

“I can remember scoring the winner against Burton in the FA Trophy and one of my two goals against Hinckley in my second game was a fond memory.

“The ball came in, I flicked it over the lad’s head on the halfway line, ran through and smashed it past the keeper.

“It meant a lot because I had come into a team with a lot of good players and there were high expectations.

“Andy Preece and Andy Morrison (manager and assistant at the time) are two people I learned a lot from in terms of my own coaching philosophy and how you should treat and talk to players to get the best from them.

“There are a lot of great memories, it is just a shame we could not win something or push on to the play-offs because I felt we were more than good enough, especially in those first two seasons.

“We let the club down, the players and the management, but it is all part of learning.”

TOP TEAM-MATE

“There were so many good players, we had a lot of quality.

“Danny McDonnell was the best non-league keeper I played with, Chris Smith was a top centre-half, so was Justin Thompson and George Clegg had so much quality.

“In terms of ability, it’s a tough call. Graham Ward was always very accomplished on the ball but there was never anyone who you would consider as the creative player, although Cleggy could pick out a pass.

“I am torn between so many but I have to stick with the striker’s union and pick from Craig Wilding and Adam Webster.

“It was such a shame Webby got injured when he did, I only had about half a season with him but he a lot of ability.

“I will always have fond memories of playing with Craig. We had such a good partnership and brought out the best from each other.”

WHAT ABOUT THE CURRENT CROP?

“I’d have to pick the best person to be on the bench with – James Baldwin. Great times, I had such a laugh with him and Matt Gwynne!”

ANY REGRETS?

“Leaving the club second time around and in the circumstances I did, it wasn’t the best parting which was regrettable.

“Maybe when I went to Halesowen as well. I felt it was an up-and-coming club, they sold me the dream and Worcester City had been sent into the Conference South so the travelling became a big consideration.

“I didn’t feel like I could commit with work and everything else but looking back, I would have preferred to stay to see how I got on.

“It is difficult to regret that, though, because on the back of that I ended up at Telford and won the league cup. Things might have been different but to be honest, I don’t regret much.”

CITY’S FUTURE

“It is a massive club.

“People might take this as lip service but it is a club I have very high admiration and respect for. The fans have been brilliant and I have always felt wanted and loved at Worcester.

“It is a shame a club that I remember being such a big non-league powerhouse is where it is. I don’t get too involved in the politics and I am sure there are reasons why things have turned out as they have.

“There is a new board in place now and the council and Worcester as a city needs to reflect on the fact the club does not have a home.

“The cricket and rugby clubs are thriving, it is a shame Worcester cannot have a place to be proud of and get behind as well, not just the people but businesses and the council.

“If people see a light shining they will get behind a club at Worcester, a lot like Hereford. I genuinely think that is possible.”

A FINAL WORD FOR THE FANS

“Thank you for supporting me, and for not getting on my back too much when I took too many touches!

“I don’t think it is the end for me at Worcester City. Hopefully I can return one day in some capacity and contribute in other ways.”