WE ARE delighted to announce the appointment of Phil Preedy as assistant manager.

The 45 year-old is a former professional with Hereford United, with whom he appeared over 50 times, and joins Lee Hooper’s coaching staff as we prepare for life in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

“I am very pleased to be able to bring Phil in to this role,” said Hooper. “He’s a great bloke to have around the place with fantastic experience at a high level.

“I have played alongside him and under him during my career and I know that he will bring energy and give the players so much belief.

“He’s always had a positive vibe about him; he was a phenomenal player and really supported and helped me when I first broke into the men’s game.

“He has always spoken fondly about his time here and has the club very much at heart. I am looking forward to working with him during the season ahead.”

Preedy added: “This is a very exciting opportunity for me. The club is making fantastic progress; the facilities are impressive and the pitch is immaculate, everything is geared up to keep pushing forward and building on the momentum from the past few years.

“I had some brilliant times at the club as a player and it’s nice to be back. I have known Hoops for a long time and I am looking forward to working with him.

“I’ve been really impressed by what I have seen from the lads in our first two sessions this week. Their fitness and hunger is there for all to see.

“Now is the time to knuckle down and work hard; I am happy to be back in the game and doing what I love again.”

Having turned out for Ledbury Swifts and Hereford Lads Club as a youngster, Preedy had trials with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa before being offered a two-year YTS at Hereford United.

Progressing extremely well whilst coming through the ranks at Edgar Street, he made his senior debut for the club whilst still a second-year youth team player in August 1993.

Greg Downs, who went on to have a spell here at Malvern Town, was The Bulls’ boss who gave him his debut.

He actually broke his collar bone during that Football League debut, meaning four months on the sidelines, but he went on to add to his tally of first-team outings whilst still a YTS player and it was no surprise when he went on to sign a full-time professional contract.

His early performances attracted plenty of higher-level attention and led to him signing an extended deal during the 1994/95 campaign.

The following season saw him help the team reach the play-offs but injury was to halt his progress during pre-season of 1996 and as he struggled to get back into his stride, he was loaned out to Merthyr Tydfil.

It was at the end of this season that the club were relegated out of The Football League on a dramatic last day and Preedy was released. Moving to Gloucester City and then Newport AFC before linking up with Evesham United.

His playing days ended with spells at hometown club, Ledbury Town and here at Malvern Town, where his quality on the left-hand side was still there for all to see.

By admin