THE doom clouds that had been gathering around Worcester City have been lifted with the club revealing they are fully committed to the coming season.

Speculation had been building that the St George’s Lane outfit was close to being liquidated, but the board of directors are now looking ahead with ‘renewed optimism’ after ‘positive discussions with partners’.

As a consequence of these assurances, manager Carl Heeley and his assistant Matt Gardiner have committed their futures to the Blue Square Bet North side ahead of next season, which will see the club ground-sharing at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough ground.

The board have also revealed that the deadline to buy one of the special offer £100 season tickets has been extended until June 30.

A City statement said: “The board accepts that the last few weeks have been a particularly difficult period for the club, its management team and players alike.

“However, given the uncertainty around attendance numbers next season and the need to set realistic budgets, we wanted to be assured we could fulfil our obligations to players and supporters before committing to move forward into next season.

“The board has therefore reviewed all options available to us and, based on the positive discussions with partners, we are now confident we can move into next season with renewed optimism about the long-term viability of the football club.

“The board can confirm we have registered with the Football Conference to play in the Blue Square North at Aggborough next season.

“Carl and Matt have committed their future to the club and continue to plan for next season.

“We are grateful to them for their continued commitment and hope the removal of uncertainty about the longer term viability of the club will assist them in attracting players.”

The statement added: “The board can also confirm we will be proceeding with the £100 season ticket offer and would like to place on record our thanks to those who have already committed to buying one.

“Those applications received to date will now be processed and the funds banked.

“It is perfectly understandable that the uncertainty around the future of the club has had a negative impact on season ticket sales and sponsorship.

“While a number of £100 season tickets have been sold, the club hopes that now supporters and sponsors will commit to investing.

“We have therefore agreed to extend the deadline for the sale of £100 season tickets and these will be available until June 30.

“From July 1, season ticket prices will revert to the normal prices.”