WORCESTER Raiders arduous week ended in defeat last weekend as a much-changed side lost 4-1 at home to Studley.

In the aftermath of the controversial sacking of manager Chris Cornes last Monday, a number of players decided to leve the club.

Kyle Belmonte scored whilst playing for Bewdley Town, captain Danny Flowers (also Bewdley Town), goalkeeper Matt Gwynne (Hereford Pegasus) and winger James Baldwin (Bromyard Town) departed and were all involved with their new clubs last weekend.

Raiders announced a number of incomings on Friday, the day before the Studley game: Ollie Thompson, Charlie Tilley (Droitwich Spa), former West Brom young defender Aksum White and ex-Telford United and Solihull Moors 'keeper Sheridan Martinez were all brought in by Mark Owen, who was confirmed as Cornes' replacement last week.

The club also revealed new faces within the coaching staff.

UEFA B licenced Coach Richard Upton joins the club as Assistant Manager, having previously patrolled the touchline at the likes of Halesowen and Sporting Khalsa.

Upton is joined in the dugout by Goalkeeping Coach Matt Clement, previously of Kidderminster Harriers Under-23s, and who currently works alongside Owen at the Heart of Worcestershire Academy.

The medical department has also been addressed, with the appointment of Conor Mahon as the club’s full-time Physiotherapist. Mahon gained valuable experience as an intern at Stockport County, Accrington Stanley and Coventry City prior to embarking on a role with the Heart of Worcestershire College in August.

It is likely to be a tricky period for the club with so may changes being made and that could threaten their play-off hopes.

They currently sit in seventh position in the Hellenic League Division One table but do have games in hand on those sides above them.

They are next in action on Tuesday evening away at Moreton Rangers, 7.45pm kick-off.