CHAIRMAN Anthony Hampson revealed Worcester City plan to retain John Snape as manager for next season with a “sensible” budget “that the club can afford”.

City’s promotion quest was thrown into turmoil after Hampson warned the club could be forced to go “fully amateur” on the back of £290,000 worth of losses in its final campaign in National North.

It led to several players leaving just before the registration deadline, including striker and joint-manager Lee Hughes which left Snape in sole charge.

Despite dropping three levels to the Midland Football League, Hampson estimated there would be a further £60,000 blow to homeless City’s cash resources this term but the club has since announced its intention to stay semi-professional next season.

The City chief would not be drawn on whether Snape’s budget would be affected or by how much but did signal his intent to avoid another change in the dugout.

“We will be retaining the manager subject to his confirmation,” said Hampson.

“It will be up to him to decide which players he wants to progress with next season within the budget to be agreed.

“The budget will be at a sensible level that the club can afford.”

Meanwhile, Hampson said discussions were ongoing with regard to the third and final public consultation over City’s proposed new stadium at Parsonage Way.

The club’s top brass is set to meet with Worcester City Council officers and representatives from the Worcestershire FA on Friday to discuss progress.

Having proposed tweaks to the position and perimeter of the ground and an increase to the parking capacity, revised plans had been set to go on display in February or March but a date has yet to be set.

“That will be arranged by the architects. We hope to know more after the progress meeting,” said Hampson.

“We will meet with the council and Worcestershire FA this week which is our usual, monthly progress get together.

“At the moment, we are awaiting some reports to come back and will progress from there.”

Worcester City Council was criticised by its Warndon Parish Council counterparts last week over a perceived lack of communication over the project.

“We have had no contact with Warndon Parish Council,” said Hampson. “We are not aware of any dialogue between Warndon and Worcester City (councils) and they would be confidential discussions.

"If they need clarification on anything, they would need to speak to the officers at Worcester City Council. We are not privy to those talks.”