DAVE Boddy believes sharp-shooter Adam Webster will stay at Worcester City to fire the club towards promotion glory.

Nationwide North rivals Hinckley United made tentative enquiries on Webster's availability earlier this year, but no official bid was made and none have surfaced since, despite a triumphant individual season for the 24-year-old.

Webster is the hottest property at St George's Lane after finishing the inaugural Nationwide North campaign as the league's third leading goalscorer.

A total of 22 league and two cup strikes, combined with his improved all-round game and consistently high work-rate, led City supporters and team-mates to vote Webster as their player of the season.

His blossoming reputation is likely to prick the attention of many non-league clubs, but Boddy is adamant Webster will stay put.

"I can understand anybody being interested in a top quality player who can score 20 goals in a season at this level," explains Boddy.

"But we are looking to build, not to dismantle or sell, so I would think it's very unlikely that Adam Webster will be leaving.

"Hinckley made a polite enquiry just before Andy Preece joined the club. They rang us and Andy within the first couple of weeks of him being here as manager.

"They came back just before transfer deadline day and Andy said that he was not prepared to sell him and nothing has changed. Until someone makes a bid, there's nothing to say.

"We made Adam aware of the position that an enquiry had been made, but he's got 12 months left on his contract and he's an integral part of the club. He likes playing here and, ultimately, I don't see that changing.

"With respect to Hinckley, I think Adam would be probably looking to go forward in terms of playing at a higher level. I can't see any point in making a sideways move to another club in this league."

Meanwhile, Boddy envisages another exciting, yet more challenging, race for promotion and play-off places next season.

Hinckley, Redditch United and Stalybridge Celtic are among a host of clubs signalling their intention by hauling in over half-a-dozen summer signings.

Boddy looks no further than last season's play-off sides as the teams to beat. But, just like last season, City's chairman has predicted at least a top-five finish for Worcester.

Boddy added: "I think it will be a very similar league to last season. There's a lot of big clubs in there that will fancy their chances.

"You can't look any further than clubs like Nuneaton Borough, who are a big club with big resources and ambitions to get back into the Conference.

"Stafford Rangers will always be there or thereabouts with Phil Robinson in charge. Kettering, another massive club, will be knocking on the door no doubt. With Gary Mills in charge, I expect Alfreton will be up there too.s

"I believe Forest Green are going full-time and they will be keen to bounce back. Leigh RMI will be an unknown quantity after being relegated.

"Hinckley have stated their ambitions by signing Carl and one or two others. We must not forget our near neighbours Redditch as well, who have signed six players recently.

"But I think our squad can make the play-offs, I've no question about that. Chris Smith has really strengthened the squad and depending on who else Andy (Preece) brings in, I fancy us to reach the play-offs at the very least."