OLD favourite Carl Heeley is set to make a swift return to Worcester City.

In a strange twist of fate, former City captain Heeley's new club Hinckley United are the first side to visit St George's Lane in the forthcoming 2005/06 Nationwide North campaign.

Hinckley arrive on Monday, August 15, two days after City travel to Kettering Town for a difficult season opener.

Andy Preece's side will be keen to set the record straight at Rockingham Road after losing 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.

Veteran centre-half Heeley joined the Marston Stadium outfit this summer after 11 years at Worcester, in which time he became the club's second leading appearance-maker of all-time and skipper for the last four terms.

His early re-appearance is likely to delight both supporters and directors, who can expect a bumper mid-week crowd for the return of one of City's favourite sons.

Elsewhere in the league calendar, Worcester tackle Stafford Rangers twice over the festive period, at home on Boxing Day before a January 2 trip to Marston Road.

City face local rivals Redditch United on November 8 (away) and March 6 before finishing the season with an away fixture at Worksop Town.