VETERAN defender Wayne Thomas has re-signed for Worcester City ahead of their FA Cup showdown at Solihull Moors this weekend.
Thomas left the Blue & Whites towards the back end of last season to take up a coaching role with Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls but has returned to English soil to link up with Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner at Aggborough.
The 36-year-old became a cult hero at City after a string of fine performances helped them overcome Coventry City in the FA Cup and take Scunthorpe United all the way to a record-breaking penalty shoot-out.
He made 40 appearances for Worcester – including one in between the sticks against Harrogate Town – scoring one goal, and can include the likes of Stoke City, Burnley and Southampton on an impressive CV.
Gardiner said: “Wayne’s experience will be invaluable on and off the pitch and the whole squad will benefit as a result.
“His leadership skills will complement the other leaders we have in the squad and we hope the supporters will be as delighted as Carl and I to see him back.”
City go into their FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Moors on an unbeaten run of four games, including successive league wins.
They were thumped 3-0 by Solihull back in August, but joint manager Heeley said it would not be as easy for the hosts this time around.
“We are getting a little bit of a foothold on our season and starting to get a little bit of form,” he said.
“It is so much better when we get players on the ball and pass it around.
“That has become a trademark of us but we probably have not done it enough this season.
“It is a tough draw but it is one we will take great support to and can relish.
“It will certainly be a different Worcester City team going to Solihull than it was a few weeks ago in the league,” he added.