MANAGER Ashley Vincent emphasised the importance of an assistant who pulls no punches as Worcester City look to box clever in next season’s Midland Football League.

Close friend Marlon Walters joins as Vincent's right-hand man having spent last season at Leicester Road.

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The midfielder has had many Midlands clubs, featuring in the Conference North at Redditch United and forming part of a promotion-winning squad at Bedworth United.

“Marlon was in an older age group by a year in the youth team at Wolves, we were childhood friends and have been ever since," said Vincent.

“He has won promotions and cups and on top of that has a very infectious personality and a good connection with the levels we are talking about.

“As captain he took the team at times at Leicester Road and similar to us they had young, talented boys.

“He is not afraid or inexperienced in getting his hands dirty in that sense. I think I can help him build on that and he is keen to come in and learn some of the methods I use.

“We are a team but at the same time, he is his own man and I need some of that. I am not always going to be right or see things clearly.

“That’s why I need someone I can trust who will tell me exactly how it is.

“I haven’t played at these levels and cannot claim to have won what he has. He will be a massive help guiding everyone and managing game situations for us to be successful.

“I need to create an environment where these lads who have the talent get that winning mentality, football is about winning and the only time you enjoy it is when you win.

"He has been there and done it as well so for me, it is the perfect appointment.”

Goalkeeping coach Gary Baines, who will work at City while remaining full-time with Cheltenham Town’s academy, and physio Shannon Kincade make up the management quartet.

“What I have acquired is a team of people – Shannon included – who have been in winning dressing rooms," said Vincent.

“Shannon was with Racing Club Warwick who got promoted last season and worked with Marlon at Bedworth when they went up from the league above.

“She knows what it takes and will play a big part in creating the spirit we need.

“Gary speaks for himself and will be with us alongside his full-time role.

"There is no one better for any goalkeeper, especially someone looking to push on in their career like Dan Jezeph, to bounce things off.

“When you look at the four of us, we have all experienced winning at really good levels and hopefully the boys can tap into that.”