SIR – As their season comes to an end, I would like to congratulate Carl Heeley, Matt Gardiner and their Worcester City squad on what has been an excellent campaign in Blue Square North.

Despite all the off-field uncertainty surrounding the club and financial constraints at St George’s Lane, Carl and his players have worked wonders to finish in the top seven of a highly-competitive league against clubs spending far more money.

Having watched football locally for many years, I remember the days when Worcester City were one of the top non-League clubs in the country, and I hope these can be the first steps towards the club returning to that level.

Of course, there are many hurdles to overcome before that can happen, most importantly the issue with the new ground at Nunnery Way, and where the club are going to play after they leave St George’s Lane at the end of next season, whether it be Kidderminster, Bromsgrove or wherever.

Off the field, they seem to have a sensible group of people running the club, who have the interests of Worcester City at heart, and this can only be good for the future. And on the field, in Carl Heeley they have a committed young manager, who has built a squad with good team spirit which – if he can keep it together – could mount another challenge for the play-offs at least next season.

MARK HALLIWELL
Cheltenham