FORMER Worcester City regular Paul Molloy has been appointed the new first team manager at Malvern Town.

Chairman Paul Pallett announced the appointment on Wednesday and said he was now very optimistic about Malvern's first season in the newly-formed Southern League Division One Midlands.

Malvern were left managerless after Neil Hunt's decision to resign at the end of their promotion-winning Midland Alliance season but Pallett was impressed and pleased that several people had come forward for the job.

He said: "We were delighted at the high quality of applicants and it was a credit to the club that interest was so much.

"I am sure we have picked the right man, he has good local connections and is very keen to give younger players a chance to shine."

As well as the first team, Malvern will continue with the reserve side playing in the West Midlands Division One and the youth team will continue in the Midland Floodlit Youth League.

Pallett said Molloy was due to talk to all the players but admitted that last season's leading goalscorer, Mark Owen, and midfielder Nathan Jukes had already agreed to join former manager Hunt at Evesham United.

Molloy, 37, who has previously played for Malvern Town, has had spells at Worcester City, Bromsgrove Rovers, Stafford Rangers and was player/coach at Redditch United.

He has brought in Martin Stephens, previously at Archdales, as assistant manager and Pete Boyle as physio.

He said: "We are expecting a hard season but are in at the deep end and intend to give it a go."

Town are due to start training on July 1.