MANAGER Carl Heeley is hoping Worcester City’s weekend in Somerset will help unite the squad ahead of the new campaign.

With just over a fortnight to go until the opening Blue Square Bet North match at Hyde, City are continuing to step up their preparations with a trip to Minehead.

Hot on the heels of last night’s friendly at Mickleover Sports, the squad are heading down the M5 tonight before playing against Somerset County League Premier Division outfit Minehead tomorrow (3pm) and holding a training session on Sunday.

Heeley reckons the trip, being paid for by the players, will prove a worthwhile exercise for the camaraderie.

“I am a firm believer that, because most of the players in non-league hold full-time jobs, the bonding and togetherness is very important,” the City boss said.

“We will go to Minehead and have a night out together and hopefully get some work in on Sunday before we travel back.

“We will only take 18 or 19 players because of the cost but it’s being funded from within the staff and players.”

City will be fielding a strong side at the Recreation Ground and it will be the last chance for players to impress before Heeley switches his attention to the season proper.

The friendlies at Hednesford Town on Tuesday and next Saturday’s clash against Tamworth at St George’s Lane will be used with Saturday, August 13, in mind.

With Tom Thorley missing the start of the season at the World University Games in China, it will allow the likes of Emeka Nwadike and Matt Birley to stake a claim to join Kevin O’Connor in midfield.

“Next week we will be looking to go with how we will start the season,” the Worcester manager added.

Meanwhile, left-back Shabir Khan will continue to train with the squad although he is not yet ready to return to action following nearly a year out with anterior cruciate ligament damage.

However, City will not be offering a deal to Gavin Hurren as the defensive midfielder has only just had surgery on a knee injury sustained in March and has not been involved in pre-season.

Heeley said: “Shabir would be a big player for us if we can get him fit.”

Malvern Town host Gloucester City reserves at the Langland Stadium tomorrow (1.30pm).

Westfields entertain Stourport Swifts at allpay.park (3pm).