MANAGERLESS Worcester City will be hoping to put their off-the-field troubles behind them by bagging a morale-boosting victory over Nationwide North visitors Harrogate Town tomorrow.

But caretaker boss John Snape knows it is going to be a difficult day for both himself and the players as they come to terms with the resignation of John Barton following more than five years in charge.

Barton told the players he was on his way at training last night after City's play-off challenge spluttered in recent weeks with a failure to beat Nuneaton Borough or Ashton United at home alongside an FA Trophy exit at Hednesford Town.

Snape said: "I just hope the fans will get behind the team. We will find it tough. The gaffer going has left a huge hole to fill."

Harrogate lie fourth in the division and have a number of former Football League players in their line-up.

But Snape has the luxury of having a near full-strength squad to choose from with Colin Hoyle the only player certain to miss out.

"We are not looking too bad on the injury front," Snape explained.

"Colin has an unlucky suspension which is a shame because he has been outstanding for us over the last month.

"Elsewhere we have a few niggles but they should clear up for tomorrow."

Left-back Les Hines has also emerged as a doubt though after suffering a recurrence of his calf injury in Monday's 2-0 defeat to Nuneaton.

With striker Mark Owen having left for league rivals Moor Green, Snape is hoping to have a replacement lined up in the next few days.

He said: "I will have a word with the chairman in the hope that I can bring in a loan signing to replace Mark.

"It is unlikely anything will be arranged before the Harrogate game or Tuesday's match but I'd hope to have someone here by next weekend."

City will be advertising for a new manager but Snape has already ruled himself out of the equation.

"I don't think it would be the right thing for me," he explained. "The fans want a new face in, a big name at the club, and I am happy with that.

"I will probably be in charge for two or three games and then I can go back to being a player again."

Meanwhile, chairman Dave Boddy praised Barton, saying: "We are all disappointed that John has decided to call it a day but we understand and respect his reasons and decision.

"He has done a tremendous job for the club over the last five years and under our financial constraints what he has achieved has been excellent.

"Our year-on-year improvement in terms of league position and quality of squad has been there for all to see and had it not been for an unbelievable unlucky sequence of injuries who knows what we might have achieved.

"I would like to place on record our thanks for his dedication and loyalty to the cause."