WORCESTER City manager John Barton admitted his decision to release Darren Middleton was tinged with regret for the loss of a special talent.

Middleton flickered brightly at times, particularly during his first two seasons with the St George's Lane club, but his final year proved a frustrating one for both parties with the 25-year-old eventually slapped on the transfer list after some inconsistent displays.

Barton lamented that fact but was full of praise for the midfielder, and David Foy, who also left the club this week.

"I've got a lot of regrets over Darren because he has the talent and potential to get you on the edge of your seat and there's not many that can do that at our level," said Barton.

"But the situation was I had to make a decision because it wasn't right at the of the day.

"David's situation was difficult once he picked up his knee injury but it's fair to say he was a key player in that great start we made during his first season."

Middleton had the capacity to enthral even his biggest critics with a moment of magic or breathtaking goal - non more so than his 25 yard strike to clinch a memorable 4-3 win against Hinckley United back in August 2001.

The ex-Aston Villa and Wolves trainee, who was top scorer two seasons ago with 18 goals, was at his best when breaking from midfield but finding his best position proved a problem.

He began his career up front but was increasingly played in a variety of positions across the City midfield but was always better going forward than on his defensive duties that never came naturally to him.

But Middleton's exit now leaves Barton with a gap to fill in his squad and with the next challenge of the Conference North, many people are interested in the type of players City's boss is hoping to bring in.

"A lot of people have asked me about that," he said.

"I've seen sides in the northern divisions that have had more than a strong physical presence but equally I've seen sides in the north that have been steeped in a lot of skill.

"But whether in the north or south I believe you need people on the pitch with a physical presence.

"The pitch is a battlefield and you have to look after yourself as best as you can.

"Those attributes, whether north or south, are what you are looking for in your players though traditionally those physical aspects are more consistently displayed in northern divisions."