WORCESTER City will apply for promotion this season with chairman Anthony Hampson reporting "vastly reduced" losses following voluntary relegation.

The homeless club wanted to drop two levels at the end of last season in order to deliver the "best possible chance of survival for forthcoming seasons" but were forced down three.

But on the back of Hampson's rosier financial forecast, along with his confidence that an extension to the tenancy at temporary abode Bromsgrove Sporting would be secured, he confirmed City would pursue their chance to go up.

Clubs at Worcester's level must formally apply to the Football Association for promotion by December 31 with a restructure of the two tiers above creating extra spots this season.

Normally, one club goes up from each of the 14 divisions in non-league's fifth tier but 12 eligible second-placed sides will join them following the creation of more divisions at steps three and four.

City's finances have been a bone of contention for supporters, particularly since the sale of St George's Lane, with the last set of accounts signalling losses in excess of £150,000 for the year up to May 2016.

But Hampson reports the steps taken over the summer are working.

“I am delighted with the attendances to be honest," said Hampson. "It was a big climb down for the club (to take relegation) and a very tough decision to have to take but people like to watch a winning team.

“As long as the team keeps winning, the gates hold up and we get a run in the FA Vase it will be a lot more economically viable to have dropped down. The drainage (of the club’s cash reserves) has been vastly reduced.

“We could talk about budgets until we’re blue in the face but the average in the National North would be something like £15,000 per week to attain a top-10 finish. That gives you an idea of how that could have resulted in (funds) haemorrhaging. Hopefully, we have reduced that."

But Hampson insisted the confident projection should not lead to complacency and reiterated his desire to see the Worcester City Supporters' Trust help boost the club's cashflow.

"We need active fundraising and that was what we were hoping for from the supporters’ trust, to get behind the club more now," said Hampson. "It would be helpful if they could start a fundraising programme like most other trusts."

City's two-year stint at the Victoria Ground, Bromsgrove is set to finish at the end of this season but Hampson says talks are underway with their landlords over a third year.

“We are in negotiations," said Hampson. "It has been discussed with the directors of Bromsgrove and indications are that it is most likely."

The initial release over the Parsonage Way project indicates the club hopes to kick off the 2019-20 campaign in its own home.