MANAGER John Snape is optimistic George Forsyth and Mark Smith will agree to stay at Worcester City for the 2018-19 campaign.

The duo who were regulars for City last season have both been offered new deals by Snape as he continues to piece his squad together this summer.

Snape admitted he had not set a deadline for either of them to get back to him but was hopeful they would commit to the Midland League Premier Division outfit.

“Mark and George have both been made offers and I am waiting for them to confirm,” Snape said.

“Obviously I am hopeful of getting them signed up as they were an integral part of the side and both had very good seasons.

“If we can keep them competition for places will be very exciting and it will give myself, (assistant boss) Ash Vincent and (player-coach) Mat Birley a problem.

“I have not really set them a deadline, but we start pre-season training in the last week of June so I expect them to be on board with us.”

Forsyth joined City initially on loan from Gloucester before signing permanently following the termination of his contract at the National League South club in October.

The 21-year-old was a big asset to Snape as he played in defence and midfield, racking 36 appearances and scoring five goals.

But Snape said he wanted the former Kidderminster Harriers youngster to make one position his own next term.

“George was a solid seven or eight out of 10 every week for us,” Snape said.

“He was consistent and conducted himself very well.

“We want him to be part of our plans next season.

“He was versatile but George needs to nail down one position and make it his own. That is something we both want to make sure happens.”

Ex-Alvechurch captain Smith was also a key figure for City in the 2017-18 season as he turned out 41 times.

His centre-back partner Jordan Stoddart has decided to remain at Worcester and Snape hopes Smith who has won the Midland League Premier Division title with Church and Tividale will follow suit.

“Mark was a consistent performer for us,” Snape added.

“He knows this level, is very experienced and, above all, he wants to play football in the right way.”

So far Snape has retained the services of goalkeeper Matt Gwynne, defenders Jamie Smith and Stoddart, midfielders Nathan Hayward and Birley and strikers James Baldwin, Dave Reynolds and Nick Turton.

He has also signed forward Kyonn Evans, full-back Joel Caines, attacker Jordan Harrison, goalkeeper Lewis Gwilliams, midfielder Robbie Bunn and frontman Joe Bates.