WORCESTER City has been dealt a double blow with midfielders Nathan Hayward and Robbie Bunn backing out of deals to sign.

Summer recruit Bunn is expected to link up with his former manager Paul Smith at Midland Football League rivals Highgate United with Hayward understood to be heading to City's landlords Bromsgrove Sporting.

Manager John Snape is refusing to push the panic button, though, revealing Hayward’s terms had been agreed with the caveat that he could talk to higher-ranked clubs.

The 26-year-old made 42 appearances in his first season at City, missing only seven league matches despite being blighted by a knee injury towards the end of the campaign.

Hayward spoke of wanting to “repay” the faith of his manager and “show commitment” to City but Snape insists the departure was handled correctly.

“Nathan put pen to paper a couple of weeks ago but we discussed the possibility of him playing higher at the time,” said Snape.

“We agreed he would be free to have the option of speaking to other clubs to progress his career and I have since had a phone call to say he would be looking to take an opportunity elsewhere.

“He has been up front about the situation and would be more than welcome back at the club if things don’t come to fruition.”

Bunn’s acquisition was particularly welcome on the back of losing dual-registered Brad Birch to Stourbridge but with both parties lauding ex-Sporting manager Smith's influence over his switch to City it comes as little surprise that the pair will join forces again at Highgate.

He finished last season at Littleton, where his father Wayne Bunn had been assistant manager, following the termination by mutual consent of his contract at Bromsgrove in March.

Having made 36 appearances and scored 13 goals at the Victoria Ground, his exit came in the immediate aftermath of Smith’s resignation.

Those efforts were not wasted as the Rouslers went on to seal the Midland Football League championship 12 months after lifting the Division One crown with an unbeaten league record, a campaign which saw Bunn contribute 10 goals in 47 matches.

“Robbie has advised me he would like to play elsewhere,” said Snape.

“It comes on the back of a managerial appointment elsewhere so it is not necessarily a surprise.

“There is disappointment of course but Aaron White (City’s scout) has already been in touch with a number of contacts and we will be looking to replacements in the very near future and during pre-season.

“There was always that proviso with Robbie and I only want to concentrate on people who want to play for Worcester City.”