ANDY Preece labelled warhorse John Snape a "shining example" to Worcester City's young players.

Released midfielder Snape, 35, left St George's Lane in mid-week after three years of tough tackling and commitment to the Worcester cause.

Player-boss Preece admits the decision to move on the 35-year-old battler, almost always called 'Snapper' by manager and team-mates, was a painful one.

"Snapper was a real tough decision for me," explains Preece. "I was looking at ways to try and keep him, perhaps looking at a reserve-team manager or maybe a player-coach job.

"But because of the finances at the club, there just wasn't enough there to do that.

"I had to look at how many games he would play for us next season. Ultimately, I just felt I could not afford to keep him on and tried to look at ways around that.

"He's been a shining example to the other young lads in how to look after yourself. He's very fit and looks after himself really well. He's been a big influence on and off the pitch. I've had a good working relationship with him.

"I said that everybody within the squad had a good case for staying at the club and I had to make some difficult decisions. This was certainly one of them."

Former Worcester manager John Barton signed Snape from Hereford United in the summer of 2002 and promoted him to player-coach before the start of this season.

When Barton resigned in January this year during the lowest point of the campaign, he stepped in as caretaker manager for three games.

It was believed Snape's days were numbered when Preece arrived to take control with his assistant Andy Morrison.

But the gritty veteran relinquished his coaching role and produced a string of fine performances in central midfield, helping steer Worcester clear of relegation in Nationwide North and towards the play-offs.

Preece said: "It can be difficult when you are in charge and then somebody new comes in. But Snapper adapted really well. I can't speak highly enough of him.

"There is a little bit of sorrow with everybody who has left the club and Snapper is no different."

City chairman Dave Boddy added his own personal tribute to Snape.

Boddy said: "Snapper showed fabulous commitment. I would like to say a personal thank-you to him for everything he has done this year, particularly when John Barton left.

"It was a difficult time for Snapper and he had to take over as caretaker manager for three games and it was perhaps unfortunate that we didn't win one of those games.

"I'm sure he will be disappointed to leave, but he gave everything while he was here. He's a tremendous character and a great leader of men."