WORCESTER City will have a second farewell on Saturday with goalkeeper Sam Gilder set to retire at the end of the season.

Gilder, 31, will join player-coach Mat Birley in bringing down the curtain on his career as City round off their Midland Football League campaign at home to Highgate United (3pm).

The former-Evesham United stopper, signed from Bishop’s Cleeve earlier this season, has made 25 appearances, most of which came following the suspension of previous number-one Dan Jezeph.

But with Jezeph signed on for next season, Gilder reckons it is “the right time”.

“It was something I thought about last summer but I decided to give it one more season,” said Gilder.

“I just think it’s the right time too, as disappointing as this season has been I’ve really enjoyed my time playing under Snapper & Ash (manager John Snape and assistant Ashley Vincent) and can’t speak highly enough of those two. They deserve success.

“They have stuck by me at times which I really appreciate and I am thankful they gave me the opportunity to play for such a big club.

“The lads have been brilliant too. The results have been poor but that’s not through the lack of effort everyone has put in.

“The club has a lot of very good players and hopefully with a few additions they will be up there come next season

“Also the fans have been great. The support they’ve show throughout the season has been brilliant, they also deserve for the club to be successful and now have a massive part to play in that.”

Vincent, in charge in Snape’s absence, confirmed both departing players would feature in a match that could see 11th-placed City finish as high as ninth or as low as 13th dependent on other results on the last day of the Premier Division campaign.

"Both will play and that’s only right, not only for Worcester City but the lads involved as well,” said Vincent.

“They have had good, honest careers at the level and both deserve what will hopefully be an enjoyable last day.”

Callum McFarlane is available after missing Monday’s 1-1 draw at Westfields due to work commitments, while Vincent hopes Josh Willis could return.

Dual-registered strikers Dave Reynolds and Kyonn Evans may feature in Malvern Town’s final match of the season at home to rock-bottom Pegasus Juniors in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division (3pm).

“We’re in good health as far as injuries go, there are no new knocks that I know of,” said Vincent.

“Hopefully we can put on a performance that gives the fans something to shout about and the lads who are retiring a decent send off.”