MANAGER Carl Heeley is guarded over his targets ahead of what he expects to be a “tough” Vanarama National League North campaign for Worcester City.

The cash-strapped Blue and Whites begin their season against Harrogate Town at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground today (3pm).

After a busy summer, a host of new signings are poised to make their league debuts for City.

Heeley believes he has added more “pace and energy” into the side but kept his cards close to his chest over his aims for this term.

“Everybody knows what their target is for City,” said Heeley, whose side finished 17th last season two points above the relegation zone.

“My targets remain between the players and I. I don’t come out and say we are going to do this or that.

“We set our targets within the changing room.

“We then monitor them regularly and if we fall behind them we try to correct things so we get back on track.

“But I am not going to come out with any statement of what we are going to achieve.

“Everybody knows how tough it is and has been for the club and we are making the best of what we can.

“We are going to be as competitive as we can and that’s all I can say.”

Centre-back Kieran Morris has been ruled out with a broken hand, while left-back Tyler Weir (ankle) and midfielder Connor Gater (knee) are doubts.

This week, City have recruited forwards Steven Craig and Jordan Murphy, attacking midfielders Ebby Nelson-Addy and Nathan Olukanmi and defenders Samuel Oji and Cieron Keane.

Heeley says they are part of a youthful group of players keen to make their mark. “We want young and energetic players who have got something to prove and want to get on in the game,” he said.

“That’s what we want and you have got to complement that with a nice bit of experience and know-how. But the pace and energy is something that in the right numbers we feel is a real positive.”

Last season, Harrogate came fourth before losing in the play-offs and they have bolstered their ranks this summer with eight new signings.

Town manager Simon Weaver, the former Kidderminster Harriers defender, said: “The competition for places is fierce but as a group that has to be something to embrace.

“It will be tough (against City).

“Carl has a lot of experience at this level and his side will be well organised. It’s up to us to go there and get a positive result.”

But Heeley, whose side won their last three pre-season games, added: “We have had them watched and got match reports, so we will be ready to go.”