WORCESTER City have signed their ex-club captain Bradley Birch after the midfielder reversed his decision to retire at the end of last season. 

Birch, 32, did sign for City on dual-registration terms from Halesowen Town at the end of the 2022/23 campaign but later confirmed on social media he was hanging up his boots.

At the time, he said: "The time has come, I want to thank everyone who’s been involved in my football path from start to finish," he said on Twitter.

"This is my choice and my choice only to hang the boots up. I’ve been part of some big games, big clubs in non-league and enjoyed it all.

"And the best part, I’ve met some amazing fans who are the heartbeat of non-league football.

"I have made memories to last a lifetime and friends. I’ll be watching from afar! It’s been a very hard decision but it’s time to concentrate on family and the future. Over and out, Birchy."

But on Monday evening, it was confirmed on City's website that Birch has come out of retirement to play under manager Chris Cornes.

Birch captained City in the 2017-18 season after joining from Stourbridge, where he went back to at the end of that season.

The midfielder has gone on to play for Bromsgrove Sporting, Tamworth and Halesowen Town, as well as a stint with Worcester Raiders in the 2021-22 campaign. 

But now he returns to his hometown club to add yet more experience to the midfield in what City fans are hoping will be a title-winning year.