FORMER professional footballer Dean Holdsworth is set to lend his coaching skills to a Droitwich Spa veterans team.

The 45-year-old, who lives inthe town, will take pre-season sessions to help Droitwich Veterans Over-35s prepare for their first campaign in the Central Warwickshire Over-35s league.

The former Wimbledon and Bolton forward is now a qualified UEFA coach and previously managed Newport County to Conference South promotion joy in 2010.

Committee member Dave Price said: “It is great to have Dean involved. He has been a member of our club for a while and will now be helping the Over-35s prepare.

“The league they are entering is a lot tougher than the others we are involved with and they will need the training that he can offer.

“We have a friendly team and an Over-50s side in the Oxfordshire League, but now we want to compete at the Over-35 level as well.”

The club is now looking for new members to help fill this season’s squad.

Pre-season training will start at Droitwich High School’s pitch at 6.30pm this Friday.

“It’s a great club to join that also has a good social side to it,” added Price.

“There are also badminton and golf teams for people to get involved with.

“It is rare to be coached by a qualified UEFA coach, so we are hopeful people will come along to the first training session and find out more about what we do.”

Anyone who wants to join the club can also contact Dave Price on 07733 120732 or John Garvey on 07827 445137.