Following the news that Ben Lacroix was stepping down at the end of the season we have moved quickly to secure our new management team and ensure a vital piece of our club can continue to grow next season.

Warm welcome to Rob Gwilliam formerly of Belmont, Cinderford and Hereford FC. Rob will be joined by a familiar face in Liam Arnold, who was on the coaching staff last season along with his role at Worcester United, and will now step up to support the team in a greater capacity.

Over the past 2 seasons of starting our floodlit side we have had 6 players make first team appearances, something we are very proud of as a club. Our junior pathway is growing year on year and having the Floodlit side gives that step from U16s Junior football and our newly formed U17s side before adults football.

Hear from Rob and Liam below:

Rob Gwilliam - 'I’m delighted to be joining Worcester Raiders U18s as Manager/Coach for the upcoming season. After speaking with the club over the last few weeks, it was clear there is a real ambition around the U18 setup and a strong pathway into Step 4 football.

I’ve had some really positive conversations with Liam and the club about the plans moving forward, and I’m looking forward to working alongside him and the rest of the staff to help build a hard-working, competitive environment where young players can continue to develop both on and off the pitch.

There is huge potential at the club, and I’m excited to get started and help build something special over the coming seasons. Up the Raiders.'

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Liam Arnold - 'I’m delighted to be continuing with Worcester Raiders U18s for another season. I thoroughly enjoyed my first year at the club and am proud of the environment and pathway we are continuing to build for young players.

Last season showed the strength of that pathway, with a number of players successfully developing and progressing into the men’s game. There is a real ambition around the club, and I’m excited to continue supporting the players’ development both on and off the pitch.

I’ve also had some really positive conversations with Rob about his plans for the season and the way he wants to work moving forward. I’m looking forward to working alongside him and being part of what should be another exciting year for the club.

Bring on the season — Up the Raiders'

Rob and Liam will also be joined on the management team by Nico Yarranton who boasts an impressive CV, including a role at Bromley & Welling United in a recruitment capacity.

Further announcements will be made in due course for open trials, we are very interested to hear from players currently looking for a new club and encourage you to email academy-worcesterraiders@outlook.com to register interest ahead of the summer.

We wish the new management team all the best ahead of a busy summer and are delighted to have them all with us.