FORMER manager Carl Heeley has taken responsibility for Worcester City’s “underachievement” this season.

Heeley ended his seven-year reign at the Blue and Whites at the weekend following a 3-0 defeat at rivals Gloucester City.

The heavy loss extended City’s winless run in National League North to 10 matches and saw them slump to 18th, five points and two places above the relegation zone.

Heeley felt injuries and suspensions had “crippled” the team who have been without top scorer Lee Hughes for the last four matches following his red card against Kidderminster Harriers on New Year’s Day.

But he insisted that did not excuse their wretched run of form, describing City’s showing at Gloucester as “embarrassing”.

“They have underachieved,” said Heeley who kept the club in the sixth tier for seven straight seasons during his tenure.

“There have been a numbers of reasons why. The injuries and suspensions have crippled us but I will take responsibility for that underachievement.

“That was my job as manager. That’s the way it goes. That’s football. You have the unbelievable moments but you have the dark moments as well.”

Winger Connor Hughes (knee), defender Tom Sharpe (knee) and attacking midfielder Micah Evans (calf) are still nursing injuries.

Captain Danny Jackman, who has missed six games with a back problem, appears to be close to a comeback after warming up with his team-mates before the Gloucester game.

City should be boosted by the return of striker Lee Hughes at home to play-off chasing Tamworth tomorrow (3pm) but left-sided Cieron Keane remains suspended. Despite their barren run Heeley firmly believes City have “enough talent” to avoid the drop and urged his former charges to “realise their potential until the end of the season”.

“I want them to keep believing in their ability and perform to the levels they are capable of,” he said.

“They are all great lads and an honest bunch but I just feel they are underachieving and I want them to go out and realise their potential until the end of the season.”

John Snape, who was Heeley’s number two, is set to take charge against Tamworth with Jackman assisting as City’s board search for a new manager.

“I don’t know what the plans are,” Heeley added. “But I want the lads this week and on Saturday to give their best for Snapper and Jacko.

“I have spoken to them both but I am sure they will do the club proud.”

Snape has made his first signing already after highly-rated winger Chay Scrivens joined on loan from West Bromwich Albion until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old is part of the Baggies’ youth set-up and has yet to make his Albion debut.

But Scrivens was on loan at National League outfit Torquay United earlier this season and made seven appearances.