PLAY-offs or not, Worcester City's rising fortunes have brought a smile back to Des Lyttle's face.

City's veteran skipper admits to enjoying a 'new lease of life' at St George's Lane, brought on by the club's climb up the table and FA Cup run this season.

Those successes are lent in no small part to the former Nottingham Forest and West Brom defender, whose leadership and poise in the sweeper-role cannot be underestimated.

It was a different story 12 months ago. Cast aside by Forest Green Rovers last April at the age of 33, Lyttle contemplated jacking in the only job he has ever known.

But as Lyttle braced for life in the wilderness, Andy Preece hauled him back for a second City spell, coming 15 years after his last.

"I'm loving my football again," said Lyttle. "When I left Forest Green, I didn't know what I was going to do. I actually felt like knocking it on its head.

"But Jock (Andy Morrison) and the gaffer got me fit again and it's given me a new lease of life.

"I'm playing for a decent side and a winning side. I'm really enjoying my football - I cannot wait for each game.

"The winning is important. It does not matter what league you are in, the Premier League or Sunday league football, so long as you are winning.

"Looking back at the start of the season, I did not know anything about the division. It was all new to me.

"It took a little while to get settled, just like a few other players, but now we are settled and playing really good football."

Now in the twilight of a successful career, Lyttle admits there is no way back to the Football League, where he made over 350 league appearances, unless City secured unlikely successive promotions.

But he believes there are several dressing room team-mates that are capable of taking the step up to professional ranks.

Lyttle added: "Shabir Khan has got a chance, if he gets out of his shell, and Chris Smith.

"Adam Webster is only 25 and could play in League Two."

Thinking towards the future, Lyttle is striving towards a UEFA 'B' coaching award after earning his Level 2 certificate.

Since January, Lyttle has coached seven to nine-year-olds at Wolverhampton Wanderers' academy, where his nine-year-old son Tyler is currently among the crop.

Lyttle said: "From what I learned over the years, I want to make use of this little brain of mine and give something back."