FORMER Burnley defender Wayne Thomas has swapped Worcester City for a coaching role at New York Red Bulls.

Thomas, who made 54 appearances for the Clarets between 2005 and 2007, had been plying his trade in Conference North but has now moved to the United States to coach in the Big Apple.

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The 35-year-old has taken up a role as an academy coach with MLS club New York Red Bulls.

Worcester City boss Carl Heeley said: “Wayne is at the back end of his football career and he’s had an opportunity to take a coaching role with New York Red Bulls through their academy set-up. He asked me if we would release him from his contract early and obviously I’m going to do that.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity that he couldn’t turn down and it’s fully deserved.”

Thomas helped Worcester to an FA Cup win at Coventry City this season and also grabbed the headlines after playing in goal for 89 minutes and keeping a clean sheet in a victory over Harrogate in October, after regular shot stopper Jose Veiga went off injured.

Heeley said: “You cannot underestimate just how influential that man has been for this club.”