As the 2024/25 campaign draws to a close, so too does the remarkable playing career of Worcester City’s club captain, Adam Mace. The long-serving skipper has confirmed he will retire from football at the end of the current season.
Adam will make his final home league appearance on Saturday, 26th April, when City host Loughborough Students at Claines Lane. While not his final appearance in City colours—he is set to feature in the upcoming play-offs—it will be his last in front of the home faithful.
Mace arrived at Worcester City in the summer of 2023 ahead of our debut season in the Hellenic League. Few could have predicted the journey that would unfold over the next two years.
Last season, Adam featured in 60 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals and wearing the captain’s armband for the vast majority of those games. This season, he has already made 41 appearances, taking him past the milestone of 100 appearances for the club. Among those performances was a memorable goal in the 1–0 home win over Long Eaton.
Adam’s impact at Worcester City goes far beyond statistics. He will rightfully be remembered as one of the most successful captains in the club’s history, having led the side to a remarkable haul of silverware:
• Hellenic League Premier Division Title
• Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup
• Worcestershire Senior Cup
• Herefordshire Invitation Cup
He was also part of the squad that finished runners-up in the Marsh Cup, reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase, and now heads into the play-offs in the club’s first season at Step 4. And there could yet be more to come before the curtain officially falls.
Adam’s career has spanned more than 15 years, beginning in the academy at Aston Villa before representing clubs including Bishop’s Cleeve, Shortwood United, Slimbridge, and Evesham United. His leadership, determination, and no-nonsense style—along with the occasional theatrical tumble—have left an indelible mark on teammates and fans alike.
From everyone at Worcester City, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Adam for two unforgettable seasons. We also wish the very best to his partner Kate, and his parents Paul and Lorraine, who have been ever-present supporters throughout his time at the club.
Finally, a special message from The Manager, Chris Cornes -
"Wow, where do I start with my Skipper Macey, my Muck.
"Two Pepsi Max and a 30-minute chat telling him that we would win the league, he decided to sign for me. From that visit, I had already decided he would be captain.
"He’s boring, busy, annoying, has a wand of a left foot, is the best skipper, a great lad and someone you want in the trenches with you. The last one was huge for me, and he’s been in them with me throughout.
"It’s been a monumental two seasons with Macey, and he’s been a big factor in our success. He does so much behind the scenes that goes unnoticed, but not by me. He’s played a part in my journey as a manager, and I will never forget that.
"He’s going to be a huge miss around the place. His irritating whingey voice at training when I say we are doing "Jackies" and his stupid dives during games–rolling around on the floor, but I hope to see him lift one more trophy above his head.
"That would be a fitting end to his career, and I know he will be doing everything he can to achieve that, and keep the lads together to give it our best shot.
"I’m hoping it’s not the end for Macey regarding working with me, and I hope we will come together again in the future in some capacity.
"Thanks, Mace, I owe you a debt of gratitude for believing in me and being ready to lead the team week in week out. My mucker.
Gaffer"
Keep your eyes peeled for a special thank you message from Adam Mace later today.