CONTRACT talks will pick up pace at Worcester City once they have banished any fears of relegation, according to Carl Heeley.

Worcester’s joint-manager admitted he wanted to start discussions with players earlier than the final month of the campaign.

But, having failed to mathematically secure their National League North place for next season yet, Heeley insisted surviving the drop remained top of the agenda for 13th-placed City.

“We haven’t really done anything for next season as we haven’t retained our status yet,” said Heeley, whose side are seven points clear of relegation with four games left.

“If we had more points, we would probably be having the discussions with players earlier.

“But the players know they need to get the job done, so let’s do that first and then we can worry about the next campaign at the appropriate time.

“I am sure in the next couple of weeks we will start talking to players.

“We will sit down with them and look at who we want to offer deals to and which players want to stay.”

Heeley has been impressed with his players’ efforts as they now stand on the brink of survival in a season plagued by a series of departures, injury setbacks and suspensions.

He added: “They are all a great bunch of lads and have been a credit to this football club because their work-rate and effort can never be questioned.

“We have had some knocks and lost good players like Sean Geddes, Ellis Deeney, Ashley Vincent and Shaun Harrad.

“But they have kept going, showed character and ground out important wins for this club.”