MANAGER of the year awards invariably go to those who have steered their clubs to championship glory.

But often bosses who steer their teams to safety against the odds deserve just as much credit.

That's why Worcester City boss John Barton deserves much more than a mention in dispatches for his efforts in saving the St George's Lane club from relegation in the Dr Martens League Premier Division.

City had a mere nine points from 14 games when Barton succeeded Graham Allner back in November.

There's little doubt that if Barton had come in, say, a month later, he might have found himself with too much to do -- as has been proved by the fact that City had to wait until their penultimate game before securing their safety.

Because in the latter days under Allner, City had so little confidence that it was hard to see where their next win was coming from.

Barton came in, changed the formation, varied the personnel as best he could without being able to bring in any newcomers, and instilled a bit of belief in the players.

They almost had to win every other match to stand a chance, and a record of 12 wins in 27 league games since November shows they came fairly close to doing that.

There's no doubt that the turning point was the FA Umbro Trophy tie at Nationwide Conference side Hayes, just 16 days after his appointment.

Not even the most optimistic City fan would have given them a chance of success, but Barton and his management team did their homework and the players carried out their game plan to the letter, winning 2-0.

Confidence was transformed and they then proceeded to win 13 out of their next 15 games in all competitions, and also reached the last 16 of the Trophy for the first time since 1982.

Form has been a bit up and down since, but they've garnered enough crucial victories -- most notably away from home -- to keep them one step ahead of the chasing pack.

The acid test will now come next season when Barton has a full season to try and transform City.

But with his room for manoeuvre limited by contractual obligations set up before his arrival, City may have to look for a season of consolidation and gradual im-provement.

It's not going to turn around overnight and the fans will have to be patient, but Barton will certainly not want to go through this season's struggles again.