DROITWICH Spa have secured the services of Birmingham City goalkeeper David Stockdale – although his input will be in the boardroom rather than on the pitch.

The Saltmen who play in the 11th tier of English football confirmed that Stockdale had joined their board and would “help to drive the club forward”.

A club statement released on Saturday morning also said Stockdale would meet the management, players and supporters at Walshes Meadow where they tackled Redditch Borough in the semi-finals of the Worcestershire FA Saturday Junior Cup.

Spa chairman Peter Lemon said: "We are delighted to have David here on the board.

“His passion and enthusiasm to help develop the club shines through and he brings with him a huge amount of experience."

Stockdale is back at Blues after loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers and Southend United but has not featured for the Championship club this season.

In Droitwich’s statement, Stockdale said: “Droitwich Spa FC represents those early years – the commitment, hunger, enthusiasm, desire and community spirit.

“And I am very excited about this venture, although my input will be in the boardroom rather than on the pitch."

Leeds-born Stockdale came through the youth ranks at York City, making his debut as a 17-year-old at the end of the 2002-03 season.

After a stint at Darlington Stockdale joined Premier League side Fulham in 2008.

He went out on loan to Rotherham United, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Hull City but remained part of Fulham’s set-up until 2014 when he made the move to Brighton and Hove Albion.

During his three-year stretch at the Seagulls Stockdale played more than 100 games and was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year after helping them gain promotion to the top flight in 2017.

Stockdale was the first signing made by Harry Redknapp after he took over as Birmingham manager in the summer of 2017.

But Stockdale has failed to add to the 39 appearances he made for Blues last season having fallen out of favour with current boss Garry Monk.

Droitwich joint-boss Wayne Oliver said he was unable to go into too much detail over Stockdale’s involvement but revealed negotiations with the experienced stopper had been going on for “a couple of weeks”.

“David wants to see how he can take us off the field so we are pleased to have someone like him working with us now,” Oliver said.

“It has come at a good time for us with the development of the pitch (at King Georges Fields) and he is a good profile for the club to have on board.

“Hopefully we can use his experience and contacts to drive things forward.”

Droitwich who currently ply their trade at Stourport Swifts’ Walshes Meadow are fifth in West Midlands (Regional) League Division One.