EX-WORCESTER City Youth Development coach and Youth Chairman Nigel Upson has joined local side New Dales Vale as first team coach.

After still expressing a desire to return to coaching in adult football, Upson will join the backroom staff at the Vale ahead of the club's first season in the Hellenic Division.

Upson will work with manager Dev Ward and assistant Ash Banner, alongside Martin Stephens who is also involved in the first team set-up for the upcoming season.

The former City man is a very experienced coach having managed Worcester City Reserves, U21s and U18s JPL and Floodlit squads in the past as well as being Player Manager for County Sports back in the 1990s. He therefore brings a wealth of coaching and development experience and will look to help with the club's transition to the higher level.

Manager Ward said "It is a great addition for the club.

"Nigel has great coaching ability and with the level we are going to, his experience and insight will help us improve as a team, it's something we have been looking to add to the backroom staff for a while, and the timing is right for both parties."

Upson added: "Having now stepped away after many great years with the City, I am absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to speak to Dev, Ash and Eno (Stephens) and been asked to join the Club.

"New Dales Vale are an extremely well run and ambitious set up taking on a new challenge for the coming season and beyond and I am looking forward to working with the Management Team and the players."