SQUAD rotation has never really been an issue at Worcester City.

In recent years, the starting XI has been reasonably predictable and the substitute options limited.

When someone got injured, as seemed to happen quite frequently last season, City often found themselves short on numbers and needing to call on emergency loans or youngsters.

That’s not necessarily a criticism, it was the reality manager Carl Heeley was faced with. The money simply wasn’t there to continually fund replacements.

Yet, although the finances haven’t changed, this season is different. City now have strength in depth and cover in every position.

With 22 players currently signed up — and striker Marc McGregor still in talks — it is one of the largest squads City have assembled in recent memory.

Whether quality has been compromised for numbers remains to be seen, however, if pre-season is anything to go by, Heeley appears to have made his budget go further for the better.

There is no doubt City also have a stronger squad in terms of physicality.

The addition of Mike Symons has bulked up the forward line, while in Emeka Nwadike they have the no-nonsense style of defensive midfielder that was lacking last season.

Twenty-goal striker Danny Glover and Mark Danks may have gone but City now have a plethora of options, particularly in attack.

Against Tamworth last Saturday, Heeley was able to introduce former Telford forward Danny Carey-Bertram and ex-Stafford winger Danny Edwards from the bench, while Matt Birley didn’t even make the squad.

They have enough versatility to operate a 4-3-3 system, using any combination of forwards around Symons, or deploy wingers in a more rigid 4-4-2.

Heeley, and assistant Matt Gardiner, will also have the welcome headache of where to fit in Tom Thorley when the influential midfielder returns from China later this month.

Defensively, City have Jared Wilson as a dedicated right-back now Graham Ward has departed but captain Ryan Clarke and Lee Ayres can also play there, as well as at centre-half.

Asa Charlton is comfortable either on the left or in the middle, while Rob Elvins and Jacob Rowe are predominantly central defenders.

Elvins could even be used as a replacement for target-man Symons if push came to shove.

And all this before you mention Shabir Khan, who will surely make a case for inclusion at left-back when he is fully recovered and up to speed following his knee nightmare.

Acquiring two keepers, a rarity for Worcester squads in recent campaigns, has also been a shrewd move.

With Jimmy Dormand and Matt Sargeant battling it out, there will be no need for the 11th-hour loans of last season following Tim Sandercombe’s injury.

Given all of this, there is a real possibility City will not only have players of an acceptable standard among their substitutes but decent players could be left out of the match-day 16.

I can’t remember the last time that could be said at St George’s Lane and long may it continue.