WITH captaincy comes great responsibility both on and off the pitch.

Nobody will argue Carl Heeley carried himself as the perfect role model down at the Lane, impeccably polite and approachable to supporters young and old, while humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

Heeley said: "I was very fortunate when I was younger that I played alongside the likes of Martin Hicks and Steve Fergusson. I learnt a lot from them in the way to conduct yourself. I took that into my own game.

"Young supporters are the club's future. To take five minutes to sign a few autographs and to talk to them is nothing. I've always done that because I'd like to see them come in and maybe play the game at some stage.

"It's nice being called a City 'legend' by supporters. It's something I'm proud of. To be mentioned in the same breath as Barry Williams, Kevin Tudor, Harry Knowles -- it's just a privilege."

A willing learner, Heeley points out that Worcester managers down the years deserve huge credit in bringing the best out of his raw talent.

He added: "Certainly, George Rooney was a motivator who got the best out of every player. He taught me that anything less than 100 per cent commitment was not good enough. I have a lot to thank George for because he gave me the opportunity at Worcester.

"Graham Allner was probably as successful as any non-league manager there's ever been. To play for him was a privilege. He was very, very good tactically.

"John Barton made me captain and I became very close to him. I learned a lot from John and he worked a lot on the weaker side of my game and taught me that it's never too late to improve.

"And I can't speak highly enough of Andy Preece. He came in with Andy Morrison and they have been immense for the club. You can see why they've managed in the Football League. It's only a matter of time before they go back there, maybe with Worcester City."

So, what next for Worcester's favourite son? A mark of Heeley's longevity is that he strives to continue playing for as long as his legs take him -- before possibly dipping his feet into managerial waters.

"I've got no plans to retire as such," Heeley added. "I think the curiosity is there to have a go as a manager. I don't really see myself as a coach and physiotherapy is something that doesn't really interest me much, so that leaves the manager.

"I have not got a burning desire to be a manager yet, but I'm sure I will sample it at some stage. It would be the icing on the cake if I ever came back as Worcester manager."