Statement from Worcester City's board of directors

Following the recent resignation of Carl Heeley as manager, the board has commenced the process for seeking a successor to take on the management of the first team.

Alongside this, the board is also continuing to review all aspects of the football club’s operation.

At the forefront of the board’s consideration is the future viability of Worcester City Football Club and bringing the club back to Worcester.

This review started before Carl’s departure. He was supportive of the need for such a review and it was not a factor in his resignation.

For the last four seasons the football club has been playing away from its home city and at the second tier of non-league football.

Not only are there significant costs attached to this but the opportunities for generating income are significantly less than they would be if the Football Club were playing in Worcester.

During this period the football club has incurred losses, mitigated by successful cup runs, with a further significant loss to be made this year.

In order to safeguard the future of the football club going forward it must look at the following matters:

1. The need to return to play matches in the city (either in a temporary or permanent home) at the earliest possible opportunity by working closely with the city council and other partners.

2. A rationalisation of the current operating costs (including the playing budget) in order to mitigate the losses which the football club has incurred in previous seasons and this season.

3. Bringing forward a break even budget for next season (and future seasons) so as to protect the remaining funds the football club still has available.

4.The appointment of a first team manager/coach who the board believes is best placed to take the football club forward in the long term, in light of the above matters.

The board is aware of speculation both in the media and amongst supporters as to the future direction of the football club. The board will not comment on speculation, nor will it comment on any ongoing discussions in advance of those discussions being completed.

It will however reassure shareholders and supporters that any future action it decides to take will be with the sole objective of ensuring that Worcester City Football Club continues to be viable in the future. As and when updates can be provided the board will ensure that such information is released through its official channels.