ANDY Preece believes moving Worcester City's Tuesday training to out-of-town astroturf facilities is to the club's benefit.

Although he describes the situation as "not ideal", relocating first team training sessions to Pershore High School's all-weather facility has been given manager Preece's overall backing.

The move was taken to prevent City suffering the same pitch problems as last season.

Twice-weekly training sessions, plus senior, reserve and youth matches, took its toll on City's surface, which Preece slammed as "shocking".

Preece is hoping the high school switch will help ease pitch wear and tear, although he admits there is more of an injury risk training on astroturf.

"It's something we have got to do," said Preece. "We have got to give the pitch a chance because we are playing so much football on there during the season.

"It's not ideal. We wanted to find somewhere with grass, but this is the next best thing. It's an all-weather pitch -- a very good one with good facilities.

"The only problem could be picking up little injuries here and there, especially jarring of ankles and things like that.

"We might have to adjust training a little bit, but that is something we will get used to. But we won't have to go there until October. We will be well into the swing of things by then."

Returning from a two-week holiday break, Preece is eager to make his first summer signing before pre-season training begins.

An attacking right wing-back is top priority for City following the release of Rob Warner, while other departments could see strengthening.

Preece said: "We are getting closer to bringing somebody in. I've spoken to one or two players and hopefully something will be sorted out soon."

Meanwhile, Worcester's players are beginning their own preparations ahead of the 2006/07 Nationwide North season.

They are carrying out individual tailor-made fitness programmes, devised by assistant manager Andy Morrison, before returning to a three-day training camp in July.