AN experienced Redditch United defender has agreed to stay for another season in the new role of player-assistant manager.

Calum Flanagan, 32, will support new boss Tim Flowers and his coaches Ryan Conneely and Dan Price whilst continuing to perform on the pitch for the Southern League Premier Division Central side.

The left-footed defender joined in January 2022 and has integrated himself as a hugely influential player.

Manager Flowers said: “I’m really looking forward to working with him. He has a wealth of experience in non-league and was obviously a big part of what was a very good defensive unit last year.

"It’ll be interesting for me to bounce a few things, along with Ryan and the other staff, around with him in the coming weeks.

"He’s certainly got a big personality and voice in the dressing room so I’m delighted to have him back.”

Flanagan said: “I am delighted to have agreed terms to stay. It’s a club that I have a built a good affiliation with over two spells here as a player and has a real community feel to it which I like.

"After discussions with Tim and the chairman I am really looking forward to another season and hopefully a successful one.

“My role will be to ensure I am there to support the management team with training sessions, tactical input and recruitment of players but I’m also still focusing on being fit and available to play.

"I feel as though I can still contribute hugely as a player with my experience so I want to play as many games as possible and have an impact on the pitch.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the management team and developing myself. The work on that front has already started as we are really busy speaking to and trying to recruit players over the upcoming weeks before pre-season starts.”

Meanwhile, Alvechurch travel to Quorn for their first pre-season friendly of the summer on Saturday, July 6.

They have added to their squad with the signing of attacking midfielder Connor Stanley from Hereford.

Redditch-born Stanley, 22, was on the books at Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers.

The experienced Richard Batchelor will continue in his player-assistant role for the 2024-25 season at Lye Meadow.

Striker Shay Willock and centre of excellence midfielder Jack Carter have also agreed to return for the coming campaign.