CITY chiefs have vowed to back manager Ash Vincent with an increased budget next season as the Blue and Whites look set to return home to Worcester for the first time in seven years.
Board members led by chairman Steve Goode revealed the pledge to supporters ahead of City taking to the field at the newly-revamped Claines Lane in August – the first time the club have played in Worcester since the curtain came down on St George’s Lane in April 2013.
The club saw their Midland Premier Division campaign brought to a premature end when the FA announced it intended to end all seasons below the National League and wipe all results because of the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.
Despite the early conclusion, City bosses have reasons to be cheerful ahead of the new campaign which is pencilled in to start in August.
“The club returning home to Worcester next season in a renovated venue will give us a new lease of life to kick on.
Being based at Claines Lane will provide us with fertile ground for revenue building opportunities which were not possible whilst in exile,” the board said.
“Over the summer we’ll be working hard to ensure Worcester City FC is a financial success next season. We are committed to making football exciting again and building a sustained and growing interest around City that’s been missing for some time.
“We will be providing our management team with an increased budget for next season that’s capable of building a promotion-vying side within our means,” the statement added.
Despite the current crisis, the club continues to work with the Worcestershire FA on an agreement to share Claines Lane with Worcester Raiders and club bosses said there were no concerns on the ground being ready for the new campaign.
“Recent talks have converged on the playing surface at Claines Lane and we are working closely to explore what we can contribute to improving it alongside the WFA’s new maintenance regime which has begun,” the statement said.
In the week league rivals South Normanton Athletic resigned from the Midland Football League, the City board sought to ease concerns over the club’s future.
“We are in a rather unique position where we have sufficient cash reserves to get the club through to next season largely unscathed. As a board, we have no concerns over the short to medium-term viability of the football club provided income streams are maintained as planned.
“It is desperately sad to see already numerous football clubs have folded because of the effect the Covid-19 pandemic has had on football outside the professional game.
“Our intention is for this to give a clearer picture on our plans and outlook going forwards. We will provide further updates as they develop,” the statement added.