MIDFIELDER Brad Birch says Worcester City’s players have gone the “extra mile” in training to make sure they are in the “right shape” to launch a title assault.

City travel to Daventry Town tomorrow in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup (3pm) before focusing their attention on getting their Midland League Premier Division campaign off to a winning start.

The Blue and Whites entertain Heanor Town in their season opener at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground a week tomorrow.

Birch is among a swathe of new faces to join the cash-strapped club who have undergone a rebuilding job after plummeting three divisions.

But the 25-year-old has praised City’s coaching staff for the work they have done in pre-season and believes criticism should be directed at the players if they do not mount a promotion push this term.

“With the players we have got I am very optimistic,” Birch said.

“I am not going to say we are going to win the league but that’s the aim.

“Whether we do that it’s up to us now.

“I know John (Snape), Lee (Hughes) and the coaches are taking us the extra mile to make sure we are in the right shape to win the league.

“So with all the training and fitness work we have been doing there is no reason why we shouldn’t be near the top of the table.

“If we don’t do this it’s not their fault. It’s our fault.”

Hughes is taking his first steps into management at City after agreeing to become joint boss with Snape who was caretaker manager in the second half of last season.

After losing their first two games in charge to Leamington and Gornal Athletic City thumped Pershore Town 7-0 and Worcester Raiders 4-0.

They were knocked out on penalties by Evesham United in the semi-finals of the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup.

But they completed their warm-up matches with a stunning 4-0 win over Sutton Coldfield Town and a 2-2 draw at Halesowen Town last Saturday.

Birch says he has been impressed with how well Hughes and Snape have “gelled” the squad despite so many changes.

“Both the gaffer and Lee have been brilliant,” he said.

“The gaffer is straight as a die — you do what he wants you to do and he is a man’s man.

“He is one of those (managers) who puts their arm around your shoulder and says ‘Come on mate’.

“It is great how they work together and they have been good for the lads.

“It is a great dressing room to be in as everyone has gelled straight away and they get on with each other.

“The team morale is spot on.”