DIRECTOR Dave Wood spoke of his “respect” for ex-chairman Anthony Hampson backing Worcester City’s Perdiswell plans – but added it had been “three years too late”.

Wood and three other Worcester City Supporters’ Trust-affiliated members joined City’s board when Hampson stood down in August 2018.

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The change at the helm was brought about by proposals for Parsonage Way, then the club's preferred stadium site, hitting the buffers.

The trust, chaired by Wood, continued to pursue Perdiswell throughout the viability studies that ultimately ruled out Parsonage Way as an option.

In November, Hampson argued “Perdiswell is the only game in town” and that City’s new board “should be given a chance” to deliver it but warned that Worcester City Council’s support for a homecoming had been “passive”.

Hampson, who remains a shareholder, also criticised city council planning chief Chris Mitchell, adding: "I don’t think he is well read on what has happened."

Wood expressed no qualms with the comments but made the case for diplomacy and cross-party engagement as talks with councillors continue.

“I think Anthony’s comments came three years too late,” said Wood.

“I saw what he said and understand his comments. He is in a position where he can say that now because he is not involved in the club.

“Maybe he should have been saying that before but we are where we are and I respect him for what he is saying.

“The last thing I want to do is upset councillors. It is not my plan to put it up against them, they are our civic leaders whom we vote in.

“There is a perception we are a Labour-supporting organisation but that is not true, we have involved the Greens and Tories.

“There is no mileage in getting into a battle. The only way forward is negotiation and working together.”

Almost six months have passed since Wood made the transition but he insists there have been few surprises.

“It is probably what I expected," said Wood.

“I have been looking at the financial side, hoping to stabilise that and my philosophy is to have as much openness and transparency as possible.

“There are some business elements that need confidentiality but the fans, shareholders and stakeholders need to know exactly where we are. I don’t think there is any shame in showing what the situation is.

“Some people criticise that, saying we are leaving ourselves wide open, others have welcomed us engaging with people. There is no need to hide behind anything, it is what it is.

“It is a sensitive and difficult time because of where we are in the league, where we are as a business and not being in Worcester. Things need to be moving and happening.

“All credit to Anthony. He kept it all together and brought everything in line from an accounts point of view which I will be eternally grateful for.

“With Steve (Goode) coming in as chairman and the new board as well, we have a real desire as passionate fans and not just directors to see this club survive, go forward and be there forever.

“It is down to us to do everything in our power to achieve that. Engaging with the fans and shareholders, I think that’s the only way.”