WORCESTER City manager John Barton is hoping to land a new signing that will set 'tongues wagging'.

The St George's Lane boss made the revelation when he came under the spotlight at a supporters' club fans' forum last night.

Barton, alongside player-coach John Snape, fielded a range of questions on the quality of the team to getting the best out of enigmatic winger Adam Wilde.

But Barton whetted appetites with news of a possible coup for a well-known player.

"More players are available this summer than for the last two or three summers," said Barton.

"We're in talks with one that will set tongues wagging. We might not be able to do it but if we pull it off it will be as good a signing as we've made."

Barton was in frank mood and, when quizzed whether Arsene Wenger could have won the Dr Martens Premier Division with City's squad last season, admitted his team had not been good enough to win the title.

But he defended the improving quality of the squad, and football produced, plus the benefits of the academy set-up which had produced Liam McDonald, Shabir Khan and Dan Parker.

Barton revealed he was looking for a 'younger John Snape' to add bite to the midfield.

He also sung the praises of Jai Stanley. "Jai's a player, make no bones about that, and he will justify why we paid out £10,000 to bring him to the club."

Snape also added his backing to Stanley: "He could be a non-league Gazza, he's got everything. He can run with it, pass it, see it, shoot but he's got to get himself fit."

Both Barton and Snape reflected on City's away form which they felt needed to improve for the challenge of the new Conference North.

Barton rounded up the session with a heart-felt plea to City supporters for next season.

"Let's get behind the team and make St George's Lane a fortress and frighten the opposition," he said.

"When we go to Crawley we feel like the loneliest people in the world and that's what we want teams to experience here."