WORCESTER City look set to make their fifth signing of the summer ahead of the opening pre-season game against Stourport Swifts on Saturday (3pm).

Manager Carl Heeley has not added to his squad since snapping up experienced midfielder Junior English from Solihull Moors more than a month ago.

However, the City boss revealed he was closing in on securing a player’s signature before his side’s trip to Walshes Meadow.

“There are a number of trialists we will have a look at over the first few games but we are close to concluding a deal prior to this upcoming game,” he said.

City have also recruited midfielder Richard Batchelor, while defender Graham Hutchison and forward Sean Geddes have returned to Worcester.

Heeley said he had been pleased with the fitness of his players and admitted they were now keen to play their first match since last season came to a close in April.

“They have got a couple of training sessions under their belt now and the lads are looking in decent condition, so they have obviously worked hard over the summer,” he said.

“They look fit, which is a good thing as they can start working with the ball sooner.

“But I know the lads would prefer to play games rather than train.”

Heeley insisted it was important for all of his players to get game-time against Midland League Premier Division outfit Stourport and in Tuesday night’s clash at Southern League Premier Division side Stratford Town.

“Results and performances don’t really mean anything as it is about getting minutes,” he said.

“It is good to get back playing the game but it is unlikely lads will play much more than 45 minutes.”

Heeley, whose side also play Aston Villa at Stourport next Saturday while work continues at Bromsgrove Sporting’s Victoria Ground, added: “It doesn’t matter what league teams are in as there is nothing on the game.

“It’s just a fitness exercise and we are grateful to Stourport for helping us out and hosting a couple of fixtures.

“They asked us if we wanted to play them and we said, ‘Of course we will’.”