JOHN Barton has used his extensive contacts to put together an exciting pre-season programme for Worcester City players and supporters alike.

The St George's Lane manager has succeeded in luring Premiership hopefuls Wolves as well as Queen's Park Rangers, courtesy of City director Dave Boddy, West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City.

It promises to be a busy summer for City with an away trip to KSK Beveren in Belgium kicking off proceedings on July 19.

They entertain Coventry on July 23, QPR on July 28 and West Brom on July 30, with the date for the Wolves game still to be confirmed.

"The purpose of the exercise is to get the players in the best nick in time for August 16 and we've lined up some attractive opposition to help us achieve that," said Barton.

"There are some strong sides there and I think the players will look forward to the matches because it's not everyday of the week they are going to be playing opposition of that quality.

"Wolves have had to prepare pre-season programmes for both the Nationwide and Premiership so we are waiting to confirm the dates for that.

"It's a tasty line up and hopefully will be appreciated by both players and the supporters."

The club's ability to attract high quality opposition will also give a welcome boost to the City's finances.

Boddy was delighted with the teams they've lined up and is hopeful that all the sides will include some of their better players.

"The indications are that QPR will send their first team while both WBA and Coventry will send strong sides with some first teamers included," he said.

"It's not easy to get these games sorted because many of the professional clubs now go abroad for pre-season so it's certainly an attractive package and I hope the supporters will think so."

Barton meanwhile is continuing in his bid to strengthen the squad but is prepared for a long, drawn out affair.

"Things are in the pipeline but I don't think anything is going to happen quickly," he said.