FORMER Worcester City manager, Andy Preece, has become the first black manager to complete 1000 games in football. 

Currently in charge at National League North side Chorley, Preece managed Worcester City during the 2000s, alongside having played for The Faithful both as a young footballer and in the player-manager role. 

The manager has also stood in the dugout for Bury, Northwich Victoria, Airbus UK Broughton and Southport.

His Chorley side is currently enjoying a fantastic campaign, sitting second in the National League North - equal on points with top-spot Scunthorpe United. 

Notably, Preece was also the first black English manager to qualify and take charge of a side in European football, during his time with Welsh outfit - Airbus UK Broughton. 

Originally born in Evesham, Preece's football career started as a youth player at City. He made his first team debut at the age of 16 against Runcorn FC Halton. 

He would go on to play for a number of sides, including Wrexham, Stockport County, Blackpool and Bury, as well as a brief Premier League stint with Crystal Palace. 

Preece champions diversity and inclusion in football. Speaking when he reached his 750th game, he said: "Unfortunately, it is that unconscious bias we talk about. People still don't see black people as leaders. It is so frustrating and difficult to talk about and it does make you angry. 

"There are so many black captains in the EFL. They are leaders. They can take on manager's jobs.

"There are a lot of black players in League One and Two who are more than capable of taking coaching or management jobs. When you look at the data, what chance have they got? I am sure a lot turn away and think 'I am not bothering, it is not worth it'.

"At the top level, you see certain players that don't get opportunities, that have had great careers at the top level, who are internationals, they want to manage, they want to coach, they have done their badges but they have seen they are good enough to work in academies or Under-21 teams, but as far as being the actual leader of a football club, they are not. Why? We are still asking that question. There are some answers but they are very uncomfortable."

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Having now reached the historic landmark, Preece spoke on how proud he is of his achievement.

"It is pretty special really," he said. "To get to 1000 games, it is a lot of years, a lot of hard work, a lot of things that need to go your way, and a lot of resilience.

"A lot of jobs I've had have been really tough ones in really tough circumstances, so really proud to have got to that landmark."