WORCESTER City have been dealt a blow ahead of the 2021/22 non-league football season after it was confirmed star keeper Dan Jezeph has made the two-level jump to play with Alvechurch in the Southern League - Premier Central.

The former Tamworth shot-stopper has been a mainstay in the City side, building a reputation as one of the best between the sticks in the Midland Football League.

He has bailed Worcester out on many occasions and will be sorely missed but manager Tim Harris insists no one was going to deny Jezeph the chance to play at a higher level.

"Whilst it is always disappointing to lose a player that has proved his value to the club, Dan made it clear right from the outset that should an opportunity to play in a higher league arise that he wanted to test himself,” he said.

"Having worked with Dan previously at Tamworth he is an excellent goalkeeper and I am sure our supporters will wish him all the best for the future.”

Church play at Step 3 of the non-league pyramid and will provide the challenge Jezeph so craves.

It leaves City without a keeper in their squad but Harris has reassured Worcester fans that a new player has been found to fill the void.

"We’ve wasted no time in obtaining a replacement who I am sure will be just as popular with supporters,” he added.

"However, we just need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s before we can announce the new signing on Monday prior to our last pre season match with Kidderminster Harriers next Tuesday”.

A statement from the club read: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Dan for his time here and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Church host Leicester City U23s at Lye Meadow this evening in a pre-season fixture in which Jezeph is expected to make his debut, before their Southern league campaign begins on the road at St Ives Town on Saturday, August 14.

Worcester have Kidderminster Harriers visiting Claines lane on Tuesday night as they look to finish off their impressive pre-season with another encouraging performance before their extra-preliminary FA Cup tie with Coventry United at Daventry Town next weekend (Sunday, August 8).