CHAIRMAN Anthony Hampson insists he “will not walk away” from Worcester City as he pledges to “safeguard” the club’s future.

Calls were made for Hampson to step down after Worcester City Supporters’ Trust’s bid to make the club a Community Benefit Society was rejected in a shareholders vote.

Hampson said he regretted the “divide” and revealed he gave trust chairman Dave Wood the chance take over the reins in bid to create “unity”.

Although Wood turned down his offer, Hampson has vowed to continue in the role and keep the club, who have about £530,000 left in the bank, afloat.

“Following the general meeting, there were a number of calls for me to personally resign from my position,” he said.

“It was clear some supporters held me personally responsible for the decisions taken by shareholders. This is an assertion I reject.

“Shareholders were invited to take a view on the proposals put to them and they have delivered their verdict.

“I, as chairman, now have a responsibility to work with the mandate given by shareholders.”

Hampson continued: “Naturally, I am disappointed with the current situation. However, I remain committed to the football club.

“There are still some calls for my resignation in certain quarters but, in the absence of any credible proposals to replace me, I will not walk away.

“I will continue in my role as chairman and to use my best endeavours to identify solutions which continue to support Carl (Heeley) and the team and which aim to safeguard the club’s future.

“Ultimately, Worcester City Football Club is stronger with all parties pulling in the same direction. My board of directors and I will continue to welcome anyone who wishes to get involved and promote the interests of the club.”

Hampson has also given his full support to manager Heeley and his team after a “difficult” summer for the National League North outfit.

“The period immediately after the general meeting was a particularly difficult one for the club,” Hampson said.

“The divide between the club and the trust was not only regrettable, but it was also having an impact on Carl’s ability to assemble a squad for the new season.

“My fellow directors and I have been wholly supportive of Carl throughout this process and any responses from the board have always tried to promote the best interests of the club.”

He said the board’s objectives included implementing a budget which aims to “keep annual losses to an absolute minimum” while still retaining City’s status in the sixth tier, and supporting the ongoing planning application to build a stadium at Perdiswell.

“Bringing the club back to the city as soon as possible, whether at Perdiswell or elsewhere, remains a firm commitment,” Hampson added.

“With this in mind, I will continue to engage with Worcester City Council via the working group established to look at viable alternative sites to achieve this objective, as I believe this is paramount to the club’s survival.”