DAVE Boddy believes sharing St George's Lane with neighbours Evesham United will not put any further pressure on Worcester City's under-fire pitch.

Both clubs reached an agreement to ground-share throughout the whole of next season while a new 2,000-capacity home is built for United off Cheltenham Road in Evesham.

Although the deal will increase revenue for City, it is feared more matches would exacerbate playing surface problems.

The Lane's pitch has been in poor condition this season -- a result of a heavy work-load of games and training sessions -- and received criticism from Worcester player-boss Andy Preece.

But City chairman Boddy does not anticipate further deterioration in the surface during the 2006/07 season.

He expects the same number of games to be played at the ground, with options being considered including switching City's Midland Floodlit Youth League games away from St George's Lane.

"We are delighted to be able to help Evesham United out," said Boddy. "They are our neighbours and, from a revenue and commercial point of view, it is good for the club.

"In terms of the pitch, I don't think it will mean any further games. Our Midland Floodlit Youth side will probably have to move away from St George's Lane. At the moment, we are considering our options.

"The amount of games the youth side play on there is probably the same amount that Evesham play. So, in that sense, it will be a straight swap.

"Obviously, when we play at home on Saturdays, they will be away and vice-versa when they are at home. But they may have to play on Sunday if there is a clash on cup weekends."

United may also have to switch their usual mid-week home matches from a Tuesday to Monday, as it clashes with City's Tuesday training sessions.

The Robins signed a conditional contract for the sale of their dilapidated Common Road ground.

The land is set to be developed by Midlands house builders Bloor Homes, who are to go for full planning permission later this year.

Evesham's new development will incorporate a new 300-seater stand, two full-sized pitches, a three-quarter-sized pitch, three junior pitches and training ground facilities. They hope to kick off the 2007/08 season at their new home.

Chairman Jim Cockerton was unsure how many United supporters would make the regular trip for home games. He said: "If there's enough support, we will run a coach for the fans."

Meanwhile, Boddy praised the work of Frank Newbury, organiser of City's Teambuilder competition that funded the recent four-figure signing of Adam Burley.

Over a 10-year period, the competition has raised £41,500 which has helped pay for transfer fees and signing-on fees.