FORMER Bury striker Gareth Seddon will not be joining Worcester City.

Lancashire-based Seddon, 26, is not prepared to travel the long distance for training sessions and home games.

His decision represents a major summer setback for City manager Andy Preece, who was convinced Seddon's arrival would have given him the best pool of strikers in Nationwide North.

Seddon was expected to move to St George's Lane following an impressive one-off appearance in April, scoring the opening goal in Worcester's 3-2 win at Stalybridge Celtic.

A sufferer of reactive arthritis, a condition brought on by the rigours of full-time training, Seddon is only prepared to feature for a part-time non-league club.

His close ties with Preece -- he handed Seddon his senior debut at Gigg Lane -- looked to have City favourites for his signature.

Preece initially claimed a deal for next season was struck but Seddon, who last season starred for his local side Padiham in the North West Counties League Division Two, balked at the travelling commitments.

"Gareth won't be joining us," said Preece. "It's travelling up and down to Worcester that is the big problem for him.

"I did make him a good offer, but he would be travelling further than any other player. He lives near Accrington and he would not be able to give his best.

"I think if you could knock half-an-hour off his travelling, it might be a slightly different story. But it is two-and-a-half hours for him and it's difficult, especially with the traffic on the M6.

"Sometimes it's difficult for me travelling (from Blackpool). And it's a bit different to George Clegg. Cleggy is another hour closer to Worcester from where Gaz lives.

"It's a big blow, but I fully understand the problem. He did want to sign, but this cannot be helped."

Seddon was a huge hit at Gigg Lane, scoring 19 goals during three seasons, and a string of northern-based Conference and Nationwide North clubs are vying to capture his services.

Preece said: "We came close to sorting something out. A bigger disappointment is that he could be playing against us next season."

Although he misses out on his former 'Shakers' apprentice, Preece insists the hunt begins for another striker to add to Adam Webster, Mark Danks and Troy Wood.

He added: "There are still one or two irons in the fire as far as strikers are concerned. Hopefully we can get somebody in to help us."