COMING within touching distance of the play-offs represents a fine season for Worcester City, no question about it.

Now they are faced with improving on that next term in what will be their last campaign at St George’s Lane.

The bar of expectation has certainly been raised, whether City like it or not, and you can bet the bookies won’t be so generous again.

Even manager Carl Heeley, pictured inset, is talking about mounting another play-off challenge in a league that looks set to be just as tough in 2012/13.

Which brings us to the perennial question of who to keep and who to let go.

Assuming nobody wants to leave, the main task is to secure those most likely to be in demand.

Player-of-the-year Mike Symons and captain Kevin O’Connor should be first on the list, quickly followed by midfield colleague Tom Thorley.

City also have two able goalkeepers in James Dormand and Matt Sargeant who, despite some shaky kicking displays, ensure healthy competition for the number one jersey.

Defensively, I would argue Worcester are reasonably sound. The changes made in January have certainly improved the back-four and that is the area least in need of tinkering.

Stuart Whitehead is already on a contract until the end of next season and fellow centre-half Jacob Rowe, newly named young player-of-the-year, should stay too.

When it comes to full-back, Dwayne Samuels fits the bill on the right but question marks hang over left-back Ellis Deeney, with the former Aston Villa youngster facing charges of affray.

Keeping the versatile Tyler Weir will depend on whether he is offered a new deal at parent club Hereford United. That seems unlikely given he has not been recalled by the Bulls this term but their plans might change if they are relegated to Blue Square Bet Premier.

Rob Elvins’ versatility is useful but money will, as ever, dictate how much defensive cover City can carry when it comes to Lee Ayres.

Winger Greg Mills’ pace is an asset Worcester could do with keeping, while attacking midfielder Matt Birley has probably done enough to merit a new deal.

But Phil Green hasn’t and left winger Danny Edwards, although quick, often flatters to deceive.

Yet, it’s up front where I expect the most change. City need someone to take the weight off Symons’ shoulders — his 19 goals was more than double that of second top scorer Thorley — and a fully fit Michael Taylor is a good starting point.

However, Danny Carey-Bertram hasn’t delivered when given the chance and Simon Brown is seldom fit enough for long enough.

But with Luke Corbett and Lee Smith seemingly finished at the club, the latter due in court this month following his Twitter rant, there should be room for manoeuvre.