PAUL Carty admits he would have retired from football had a new Worcester City deal not been offered.

The effervescent 38-year-old campaigner will remain an integral part of Andy Preece's squad next season as the club launch their bid for Nationwide North promotion.

Fellow veterans Carl Heeley and John Snape departed St George's Lane for pastures new, but player-manager Preece valued Carty's versatility both in defence and midfield.

The former Hednesford Town man is now buzzing at the prospect of another challenging campaign in the twilight of his playing career.

But Carty confessed that failing to secure fresh terms at City would have meant closing the door on the game.

"I'm really pleased to still be part of things," admitted Carty. "There has been quite a lot of talk about hanging my boots up.

"But I feel good and as long as I'm contributing to the club and I'm not letting people down, then I will carry on.

"I don't think I would have joined another club had Andy not wanted me to stay. I would have called it a day.

"Worcester has got a special place in my heart. It takes time to build a strong relationship with a club and had I not stayed, I would have walked away altogether.

"My situation is still the same, in that I go into every game like it's my last and give absolutely everything. It's the only way I can approach it now at my age and that's what I intend to do.

"I'm pleased that the gaffer thinks highly of me. I just try my best. When I first came to the club, I wanted to play in the centre of the park and I expected to play there, but I ended up playing left-back for three years.

"Now, I'm happy to play anywhere and I've got a lot of belief in my own ability."

Carty added: "Its very disappointing to see Carl go and I'm gutted for Snapper too because he's a lovely bloke. It's more upsetting for me because they are both close friends.

"But those are the decisions that have to be made in management. You've got to respect that and hopefully, next season, I'll meet up with them if and when they come back to play at Worcester."

Carty will see many more old friends at the Lane next term following Hednesford's promotion from the Southern League Premier Division.

He spent five years with the Pitmen during their Conference era, before switching to Worcester in August 1999.

Carty added: "Hednesford had a couple of bad years when they slipped from the Conference through the leagues. That was disappointing for them, but things can change quickly.

"They have rebuilt and done well with a young team. I don't imagine they will now throw their money about. They will probably just look to consolidate.

"It will be great again to see all the people who I know there. I've still got some good friends at Hednesford."