WORCESTER City chairman Anthony Hampson says money from the club’s FA Cup run could be freed up to strengthen the squad.

The Blue and Whites head to Scunthorpe United on Sunday (2pm) for a second-round tie having already banked around £85,000 in prize money and gate receipts from this year's competition.

That figure will top £100,000 once BBC highlights and their share of ticket revenue from the Glanford Park clash have been taken into account.

With City closing in on the Vanarama Conference North play-offs and still in the FA Trophy following a 13-match unbeaten run, Hampson has not ruled out providing funds for manager Carl Heeley.

When asked if cash would be freed up for a promotion challenge, the City chief said: “There is scope to be confident to go for some sort of push and we need to see how Carl wants to play it.

“That’s something for the manager and myself to talk about. I’m beginning to lose track of how we’re getting on financially but I know it’s very pleasing for the club.”

Hampson has been full of praise for City’s achievements so far this season, including a 2-1 win at giants Coventry City in the FA Cup, and believes they have every chance of springing another surprise on Sunday.

He said: “It’s the first time as chairman that we’ve been in both FA competitions at the same time, so I’m very proud of the club and I’m delighted for the manager and the players.

“There’s no reason why we couldn’t go up to Scunthorpe and win there. I feel pretty confident. I’m extremely excited. The players look as though they’re up for anything at the moment and anything can happen.”

While there is talk of strengthening the squad, City will be keen to keep hold of their current players following recent performances.

Nine-goal top-scorer Sean Geddes is on the radar of higher-ranked clubs and online clips of his “rabona” against Barrow at the weekend have gone viral.

But Heeley insists any move would have to be right for the player as well as the club.

He said: “All I know is Sean loves it here. It’s not straightforward nowadays about going to a full-time club. Financially it has to work and sometimes it benefits players to play part-time.

“If Sean gets an opportunity to go and it’s right for him, then we will have played a huge part in that and we would all be delighted for him.

“I think we’ve got quite a few players that can move on in the future but, while they’re here, let’s enjoy it and enjoy winning games with them.”

n Worcester fan Dave Higgins, who was denied buying seats in the ‘home’ end at Scunthorpe, has snapped up two of 60 tickets returned to City after being contacted by your Worcester News.