It’s a case of friends reunited at Malvern Town as Reece King has returned to the place where it all started following his departure from Stourbridge.
The all-action performer, who is able to play in defence or midfield, has returned to The Hillsiders where he got his first taste of senior action at the age of just 16 in 2011/12 before going on to make over a century of appearances for the club.
His skipper in those early days was Lee Hooper who is now co-manager at the Pitching In Southern League Division One South club.
“I know Reece very well personally and he’s still very well-known around the club,” Hooper told us. “You could tell when he first broke into the team as a raw teenager that he was a special talent and so it has proved as he has gone on to earn a good reputation at Steps 2 and 3.
“He’s also captained the Stourbridge team in recent seasons, so it shows you what a fantastic player we are getting.
“I went away for a break for a few days this week and spent a whole day of the holiday getting this deal over the line, but it’s well worth it. He’s going to be a massive presence for us both on the pitch and in the dressing room.”
King, who counts the likes of Gloucester City, Leamington, Hednesford Town and Buxton amongst his former clubs, added: “I can’t wait to return. I always said when I left that I would be back at some point and what a great time it is now.
“I know a lot of the lads already and they are a great bunch; the skipper is a little annoying but unfortunately, I chose him as a best mate.
“It’s amazing what the club has achieved both on and off the pitch since I was last here and it’s a credit to all involved.
“I feel I have gained a lot of experience at Step 3 now and hopefully I can use that to help the players finish this season on a high.”
Malvern Town host League leaders, Wimborne Town, on Saturday.
