CHAIRMAN Anthony Hampson insists “the door is open” for disgruntled supporters to help to shape Worcester City’s future on the back of Saturday’s protest against the board.

Around 16 people gathered behind or near a large banner which read “Stop killing OUR club – Hampson and board OUT” during City’s 0-0 draw with Boldmere St Michaels at the Victoria Ground.

The protest was peaceful and silent with the sign on display for spells in the first and second half before being kept on show as the protesters headed towards the exit at full-time.

It comes at the back end of City’s fifth season in exile and amid continued losses that jumped to more than £290,000 in the financial year up to May 2017, figures which came to light at the end of last month.

One of the demonstrators was Ritchie Stringfellow, a 54-year-old shareholder, Worcester City Supporters’ Trust member and fan of more than 40 years.

“It is quite obvious the board does not have the best interests of the club at heart,” said Stringfellow.

“We want to see full disclosure of the accounts to the shareholders and fans, not just to the supporters’ trust’s financial adviser. It is about everyone and we want answers.

“This is the fans talking, not the supporters’ trust which needs to stay neutral. A lot of fans in this ground feel the same.

“The chairman said he would walk away but then it came with the proviso of investment. I would like to know how much money he has put in. Not raised, put in personally.”

Stringfellow argued the club should convert to a community benefit society (CBS) and that such status would make more funding streams available to aid City’s push for a stadium in Worcester.

He added he would only attend future matches in order to support protests.

“I was going to stop coming a couple of weeks ago but then I heard about this. I don’t want to carry on funding the club under the current board,” said Stringfellow.

“It is difficult because I fully support John Snape (manager) and the players. A couple of weeks ago they found out the club could go fully amateur and that sparked an exodus.

“The timing of that, at this stage of the season and just before the transfer deadline, was absolutely ridiculous.”

Hampson declined to respond directly to Stringfellow’s comments but on the protests said: “I am delighted to have an extra 16 supporters through the turnstile.

“I can understand the frustration of anyone with the problems we are having at the club. It has been extremely difficult to keep the club going while trying to find a new home in the city.

“I think the current board has done its very best to keep the club alive and any people who are determined to criticise and undermine those efforts are very welcome to come and help.

“We need volunteers and fundraising. If people don’t want to raise funds for Worcester City, they could pay it directly towards the players for example.

“We are all determined to do our very best and hope the fans keep coming to the games.

“I think we are all tired of the abuse via social media. It has to be remembered that directors work voluntarily, we do so continuously and probably put in 30 hours per week for nothing.

“As I have said before, if other people want to come in and do a better job then let them. The door is open for suggestions for moving forward, raising money and everything else that goes with running a vibrant club.

“All we are doing at the moment is keeping the club alive until we get back to Worcester. That’s all we can do.”