Owen, who became a fans' favourite at Worcester City having netted more than 100 goals, teams up with Karl Gormley at Sixways Stadium as Raiders eye a promotion push from Hellenic League Division One.

Playing attractive football and establishing a winning formula at Droitwich, Owen left The Saltmen in 2020 after their campaign was cut short amid the Coronavirus pandemic, with the club looking set for promotion to the West Midlands Premier Division.

Owen has strong links to the local community and is currently Football Academy Manager at The Heart of Worcestershire College.

"Worcester Raiders is a fantastic project and I can't wait to get started in this role alongside Karl, who has done a tremendous job at the club," said Owen, who will be in the dugout for this Saturday's league game against Studley at Sixways (kick-off 3pm).

“Since leaving Droitwich last year, I have enjoyed some time away from management, and it is now the right time to embark on my next challenge.

"There is massive potential at Worcester Raiders and the owners have an exciting vision for the club. There will be personnel joining the backroom team and we’ll look to strengthen the team with some quality additions"

As well as playing for City, Owen's playing career saw him turn out for the likes of Wolves, Solihull Moors, Bromsgrove Sporting and Evesham.

Peter Kelly, Managing Director at Worcester Warriors added: "I'm delighted to welcome Mark to Sixways as we head into a busy month of fixtures, starting with Studley on Saturday.

"His values fit the direction in which we want to go both on and off the pitch.

"We wish him all the very best in his new role."