ANDY Preece is demanding a bigger spending budget at Worcester City next season in keeping with the club's promotion ambitions.

Preece was due to have talks with chairman Dave Boddy last night, in which he was hoping to thrash out an improved budget.

The St George's Lane boss believes the large income accrued from last season's FA Cup exploits, believed to be around the £200,000 mark after culminating in a live BBC-televised second round clash against Huddersfield Town, should allow for a more expansive wage bill.

This summer, Preece is searching for an attacking right wing-back and another striker, following the rebuff from former Bury hot-shot Gareth Seddon.

A further addition could be made if City's purse-strings were to open and Preece believes Worcester must look to show more purpose.

"We just want to be given a chance with the budget," said Preece. "I'm hoping that with the FA Cup run we enjoyed last year and the money that came into the club, we will be able to use some of that to push on.

"I'm hoping it will be a bit more. Everybody wants to see Worcester promoted and win the league."

Improved budget or not, Preece is hopeful of concluding his summer signings before the resumption of pre-season training next month.

A replacement for released Rob Warner remains the leading priority, although Worcester's manager is to take his time over a new wing-back.

Preece added: "There are two or three players that I'm looking at, but I'm not going to be rushed into it.

"Everything has got to be right. We've got to take different things into account, such as finances and the players' location.

"Adam Burley is an example where we put a lot of work into getting him.

"We had to wait a while and that was one that could have fallen through.

"It would have to be the right player, someone with ability, pace and a bit of quality. It could be someone with experience or a younger player.

"Somebody just like Adam Burley would be great, but it's finding that player."

Meanwhile, Preece believes his squad will return to pre-season training in excellent shape after carrying out individual fitness programmes over the next four weeks.

Preece said: "They shouldn't be too far away from their best physical shape when they come back. They showed that last season.

"At pre-season, we want to concentrate on the tactical side of things and not spend our time too much on fitness."