WORCESTER CITY are searching for a new manager following the resignation of long-serving boss and club legend Carl Heeley.
Heeley met with chairman Anthony Hampson, football secretary Joe Murphy and his assistant manager John Snape after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Gloucester to explain his decision.
Despite the club currently being homeless and playing at Bromsgrove Sporting, Heeley has helped keep the club in the National League North.
Heeley, known as ‘King Carl’ by City supporters, has been involved in almost 1,000 matches with the club since initially joining as a player back in 1994.
He later became captain, assistant manager and then took over as first team boss in January 2010, enjoying a 3-1 win over Weymouth in his first game in charge.
Fittingly, Heeley was in charge for Worcester’s last ever game at their St George’s Lane home in April 2013 as a crowd of over 4,000 watched City take on Chester.
The club have been helped massively by some impressive FA Cup runs in recent times with Heeley guiding City to a famous victory over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena in November 2014. They drew against League One side Scunthorpe in the next round before eventually bowing out on penalties in the replay.
They also made the first round the season after, beating Gateshead to set up a trip to Sheffield United where they were soundly beaten 3-0.
The finances gained from those runs have been vital for the club and City released a heartfelt statement following Heeley’s departure.
It said: “Carl felt it was time for a change for both himself and the club. In particular, after more than 20 years involvement in the game, Carl would like to change the focus in his life from football to spend more time with his young family.
“The club fully respect and appreciate Carl’s decision and he leaves with our sincere gratitude for the outstanding commitment he, and his family, have dedicated to this football club over a long period of time.
“Despite his managerial tenure coinciding with continual difficult circumstances behind the scenes, with the club becoming homeless with an uncertain future, and having limited playing budgets in comparison to most other clubs in the division, Carl continued to defy the odds to keep City at National League North level, whilst guiding the club to some of the most memorable moments in its long history.
“Carl always wears his heart on his sleeve, and his honesty in deciding it was time to step down is reflective of the man he is. The club would like to thank Carl for all his hard work and wish him all the best for the future and the Heeley family will of course always be made welcome at the City.
“Clearly the club must now consider its options, but John Snape will aid the club in the short term, assisted by club captain Danny Jackman, whilst a replacement is sought.”
