Mark Danks back as Worcester City sign trio

Danks left Bradford City for Halesowen Town in July 2003

Worcester City manager Carl Heeley has made three more summer signings, including the return of St George's Lane favourite Mark Danks.

Midfielders Kevin O'Connor (AFC Telford United) and Tom Thorley (Stafford Rangers) have also been snapped up.

But the key signing could be Danks, who hit 24 goals in 41 appearances for Northwich Victoria last season.

"Over the last couple of years we've missed a 20 to 25 a season striker," Heeley told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Without putting too much pressure on Mark, he is a proven goalscorer at this level."

Danks originally joined City from Forest Green Rovers, scoring 37 times in 96 games.

O'Connor started his career at Molineux, making his league debut on loan at Stockport before playing in Mick McCarthy's first three games in charge of Wolves at the start of the 2006/07 season.

He was then sidelined by a hamstring injury, which effectively put an end to his league career.

Mark Danks was Worcester City top scorer in his last season in 2006/07

The former Republic of Ireland Under-18, Under-20 and Under-21 international joined Telford in January this year, making 14 appearances.

And Heeley revealed that he was Worcester's number one target.

"He was the first person we spoke to with a view to coming to the club at the end of the season," added Heeley. "And I'm pleased to say we've won the race to sign him."

Thorley spent 10 years working his way through the Stoke City academy before becoming a regular in the Potters' reserve team.

After leaving to study for a degree at the University of Worcester, he first became a St George's Lane target under former City manager Richard Dryden last summer.

He chose instead to join his home-town club Stafford Rangers, for whom he had an excellent season, playing every minute of every game except one.

But the fact that he is still continuing his studies in Worcester helped persuade him to play his football at St George's Lane.

"Stafford didn't want to lose the boy and he was happy there," said Heeley. "But he now lives in Worcester.

"His commute to Stafford while doing his degree was difficult for him."

Heeley's first summer signing was last week's return of midfielder George Clegg.