WORCESTER City will be out to prove the bookies wrong after being priced as second favourites for Blue Square Bet North relegation.

Several of the major bookmakers have Carl Heeley’s team at 40/1 to win the title outright, with Coral fancying them even less at 50/1.

Only Vauxhall Motors, who visit St George’s Lane on Monday, August 15, are quoted as more likely to be in the bottom three of the division come next April, along with Hinckley United.

Local rivals Gloucester are fourth favourites for the drop, closely followed by Hyde, Worcester’s opening day opponents on Saturday, August 13.

City supporters might be surprised to see their team priced firmly in the relegation mix, particularly given that Hyde and Gainsborough Trinity both finshed below them last term, along with Vauxhall.

But Heeley’s men were just four places above the trap door and only avoided the drop from the southern section the year before on a technicality.

It would also appear that Hyde’s link-up with the Glenn Hoddle Academy — made up of ex-Football League youngsters — has been taken into account, while Brian Little’s Trinity grossly underachieved last season against their large budget.

At the other end of the scale, newly-promoted FC Halifax are tipped to win the league, with Altrincham, relegated from the Blue Square Bet Premier, as second favourites.

Nuneaton Town, who have snapped up former Worcester pair Danny Glover and Graham Ward, are third.

Volunteers are required to help get the Lane ready for the new season. A clean-up session will be held on Monday from 7pm. If interested, turn up with a broom.