MANAGER John Barton has pledged to continue Worcester City's revival after signing a two-year contract extension.

The 49-year-old former Everton and Derby County full back has agreed to a deal which will keep him at the club until 2005.

Barton has masterminded a dramatic upturn in fortunes at St George's Lane since taking over from Graham Allner in November 1999 when City languished in the Dr Martens Premier Division relegation zone.

Under Barton's stewardship City won the Dr Martens League Cup two years ago and this season has seen them prove genuine title contenders after their best start to a campaign for more than 20 years.

Barton said he did not even pause to think about extending his stay at the club where he also enjoyed success as a player.

"They must have been some of the quickest negotiations ever," added Barton. I'm pleased that the board think it is the right thing to do for the football club's point of view.

"I've got no interest in working for anybody else. When I first came to the club I wanted to stay for a long time.

"Management is a precarious business but it's coming up to three years-and-a-half and it has flown by.

"It hasn't been easy, in fact it's the hardest job that I've had - certainly from the starting point when the club was struggling but no matter what happens for the rest of this year progress has been made and it's evident for all to see.

"The next stage is to ensure it goes forward.

"The reality is the club has underachieved for 20 odd years but the pleasing thing this season is that we've been involved in the shake up for the title.

"The aim has to be to restore the club to former glories and with the progress being made both on and off the pitch with regards to a new stadium, hopefully this can be the start of a new era.

"There is a bit of respect back for Worcester City at this level and whatever happens this season has to be regarded as a good one."

Club director Dave Boddy said: "We are delighted with what John has achieved for the club and the job he has done this season is fantastic.

"When he arrived at the club he outlined a three-year plan and we are at the stage where we wanted to be - serious title contenders."

Meanwhile, City's title hopes receded further when leaders Tamworth won 1-0 at Ilkeston last night to open up an 11-point gap over Barton's men.