JOHN Barton has spelt out what it will take to sustain progress at Worcester City -- five summer signings.

The St George's Lane manager led City to their best finish in 15 years last season but believes the new Conference North will pose a rigorous test for the club's ambitions.

Barton, who released midfielders Darren Middleton and David Foy last week, guided his side to fifth in the Dr Martens Premier Division but their dip in results during the run-in has persuaded him that fresh additions are vital to take the club to the next level.

"During the season it looked like the squad wouldn't need much tinkering but as it wore it and the season drew to an end it became clear that things weren't right," said Barton.

"I would like to bring five good players in during the summer that will enhance the team in every position. That's the dream.

"It's going to be difficult to do and, because of the finances involved, we might not get near that but as manager that is what I would like to do.

"I'm well aware and happy that progress has been made at the club. How significant and the depth of that might be disappointing to some but as I keep saying, the longer this job goes on the more and more difficult it gets.

"If we can bring in five players I believe we would have an excellent opportunity of reaching that next level and we desperately need to get to that next level of performance at the club.

"Players will always take you so far then you bring the next lot in that take you up a step.

"Everybody has got parameters and boundaries and the reason we need five players is that we've squeezed nearly every drop out of the players and it's now down to a trickle.

"We need fresh blood because who knows what that next level of opposition is going to provide for us.

"We've already said it's going to be the best of the best feeder leagues and that next level might be a bigger jump than we've been used to in the Dr Martens League."

Barton revealed he has already spoken to six players, Football League players among them who have actually phoned him to offer their services.