KEY player Neil Cartwright has committed himself to another season with Worcester City.

The 28-year-old was a regular fixture in Carl Heeley’s team last term, after joining in the summer following his release from Corby Town, and started 41 games.

He was originally brought in as a winger and impressed with performances on both the right and left flanks. However, injuries to full-backs Shabir Khan and Graham Ward saw him deployed in defence for the majority of the campaign.

Heeley, though, was keen to keep the versatile Cartwright and has moved to assure him that he will be predominantly used in an attacking role next season.

Talks are currently ongoing with potential new defenders, while left-back Shabir is hoping to prove his fitness in pre-season following 10 months out with a knee injury.

Heeley said: “I felt Neil would stay. His versatility is invaluable. He will help us out dropping in at full-back but he feels he is best offensively.

“We are looking to make the kind of signings over the next couple of weeks which will give us enough defensive cover so we can use Neil in a position further up the pitch.”

Cartwright’s commitment comes hot on the heels of the acquisitions of keeper Jimmy Dormand and strike duo Luke Corbett and Mike Symons.

Midfielder Gary Walker is considering an offer to stay but Heeley said the 23-year-old, who started 18 games last season, was wary of being a bit-part player.

The City boss added: “Gary is not trying to get a better offer. He wants to play regular football and he wasn’t sure he could get a starting place.”

Meanwhile, former City assistant manager Mark Clyde has been appointed as the new boss of Midland Alliance side Bridgnorth Town.