NEW boss Tim Harris has identified “one or two areas” for Worcester City to strengthen following an initial four-week block of training with his new charges.

Harris was named City’s new gaffer in January following the departure of Ashley Vincent but Covid-19 lockdowns and the curtailment of the non-league season left him kicking his heels.

Play is steadily resuming among teams choosing to put together friendlies and tournaments but Harris opted to run the rule over what he had before resuming pre-season as usual in the latter part of June.

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“Most of the lads have said they want to stay which is great news,” said Harris.

“One or two will go, one or two will come in, that is pretty standard at this stage of any season. We have been talking to players and have spoken to most of them who were there last season.

“Ashley had put together a reasonably good side, I look at some of the abilities in the squad and the fact many have played at higher levels and that shows they can do it but the table didn’t lie, they had won two out of 12 in the league.

“Something was not quite right there but one thing I can say is that the attitude of the players was really good in the four weeks we got them in, I was quite pleased with the level of commitment.

“Moving forward we need to work on our shape and pattern and make sure everyone in the squad knows their roles and responsibilities.

“There are one or two areas we need to strengthen, they averaged little more than a goal per game (scored) last season and that is nowhere near enough to be up near the top of the table and it is an area we need to look at very closely.

“I am just really looking forward to getting going, I can’t wait.”

Matches have been put in by many Midlands clubs after so long without action but Harris explained why he felt that was not the right option for City.

“With everything that has gone on in the past two seasons, getting appointed in January and not being able to meet up with the squad, the opportunity to play in these tournaments was not something I was interested in,” he added.

“I felt it was more important to get the lads in for a month, have a good look at them and for them to have a good look at me.

“I wanted to see where we were and allow the boys to blow out a few cobwebs before having a few weeks off.

“We will be back at the end of June to work hard to get off to a good start to the season.

“We have just announced the pre-season friendlies and there are some tough games which will provide us with a good test, the kind of test we will need.”