Former professional footballer John Newall has proved he is on the ball after being appointed by expanding recruitment firm gap personnel.

John has joined the firm to launch a branch in Cannock, the firm's ninth in the Midlands.

The 30-year-old, who has spent the last eight years honing his skills with a rival Midlands recruitment agency, has big plans and can't wait to get started as confidence returns to the jobs market.

"The market is really starting to pick up and there is lots of scope with several major employers and blue chip companies in the area," said John, 30, who will specialise in distribution and warehousing.

John will be working closely with his clients to form strong partnerships and one of his plans includes helping them to appreciate the benefits of working with gap all year round, not just when their business is experiencing peaks and troughs.

"This can result in a much more stable, committed and effective workforce, rather than employers simply responding to the busy and quiet times," he explained.

John began his career as a professional footballer with Queens Park Rangers, going on to play for various football clubs including Halesowen Town FC, Stourport Swifts FC and Willenhall Town FC until a serious knee injury ended his footballing career. 

After working in deliveries and then sales, he responded to an advert for a recruitment trainee post and was successful.

"I love working in recruitment as it can be incredibly satisfying working in partnership with clients for the long haul, helping them to develop and grow," added John, who lives in Rugeley, is married to Sarah and has three sons aged 15, three and ten months.

gap, the UK's ninth largest industrial labour provider, already has a network of 30 branches around the country including Coventry, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Telford.

From its Cannock branch, gap will cover areas including Litchfield, Cannock, Rugeley, Walsall, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton.  A team of four will run the office.

gap regional director Neil Barrett said: "We are delighted to have such a talented branch manager as John on board. He will be a fantastic asset to the team and brings lots of ideas, experience, local knowledge and great contacts to his new role."

John is now seeking office premises in central Cannock, ready to launch the branch proper in the New Year.  In the meantime inquiries can be made via 07791 735789.