CHAIRMAN Kevin Jenkins reckons “jealousy” is at the heart of online jibes directed at Worcester Raiders.

The West Midlands (Regional) Division One outfit has won 14 league matches in a row in the chase to overhaul long-time leaders Darlaston Town.

That form and a proposed redevelopment of its Claines Lane headquarters as part of a deal that will see Worcestershire FA take ownership of the site has brought about a spike in interest but also claims that Jenkins insists are untrue.

Connections have been made to an old Worcester Sunday League team but the man at the helm is adamant Raiders can trace back their roots to youth football and he is keen to dish out a history lesson.

“It is a bit derogatory,” said Jenkins.

“I don’t know who is behind it but I am happy to chat to anyone about the club. We did not come from Heenans.

“I think there is one player here who played for them but he has been with us for seven-odd years now. Nearly everyone knows we progressed from being a kids’ team.

“When people say things you just want them to be right and truthful. We don’t want people poisoned against what is happening at Worcester Raiders because everyone is very proud of what we have achieved.

“We just want to give lads in Worcester a chance to play football at a decent level.

“We are not giving it the big I am, we just want to gain as much exposure as we can and be the best we can be.

“I think it is jealousy. Some people don’t like to see others doing well and we are on a run of 14 straight league wins.

“Things are going well, we have no money issues. We are solvent, we pay what we owe and raise our own funds.

“We have an alcohol licence and a minibus for the lads, we have pretty much everything we need and it is an exciting time with what is planned for the ground which would allow us to take promotion if we achieve it.

"This has all been achieved through hard work and determination, everyone trying to be the best they can be.”

Other than long-term absentee Glen Sitch, Raiders hope to have a full squad to choose from for Saturday’s league trip to sixth-placed Old Wulfrunians (3pm).

Goals from Martin Fowler and Roland Krol ­— who both netted in Saturday’s 5-0 demolition of Allscott ­— saw Karl Gormley’s men win the reverse fixture 2-0 in September.

Victory could see Raiders close the five-point gap to Darlaston at the summit with their rivals facing a tricky home fixture against fourth-placed Team Dudley.