NICK Colley is determined to fight off Worcester City's future recruits by taking his good form in to the start of next season.

Following his controversial move from Tamworth last summer, 30-year-old Colley has developed into a favourite among St George's Lane supporters with a string of whole-hearted displays.

He finished the campaign as the club's leading goalscoring midfielder, bagging five Nationwide North strikes and netting once in the FA Trophy.

Colley acknowledges that competition for places will stoke up as player-manager Andy Preece looks set to bring in new names for next term.

But the flying winger is adamant of doing everything in his power to maintain a regular starting place.

"It's only natural he (Preece) will want to bring in fresh faces this summer," said Colley. "But it does not matter who he brings in, I'll see them off.

"It is good to have competition for places, but I have confidence in myself that I will keep my place in the side. The manager told me I'm part of his plans and it's great to hear that.

"We all provide different things for the side. I'm there for energy and enthusiasm. I feel I rewarded the manager towards the back end of the season with three goals in 10 games. I was pleased with that return.

"I would say I've had a pretty good season, but I believe I can do better and things are looking positive for next season.

"Both the gaffer and Jock (assistant Andy Morrison) have helped improve my game. And when you've got managers like that, you are prepared to do that little bit extra for them."

Pre-season training begins on July 1 and Colley admits it will be strange to re-group with team-mates but without experienced pair Carl Heeley and John Snape.

Inspirational captain Heeley rejected new terms at Worcester before switching to Hinckley United, while veteran midfielder Snape was released to free up transfer funds.

Colley said: "It will be odd without them here, they were both very good players. I just hope we don't miss them too much, in playing terms.

"Carl is a good friend of mine and I'm really sorry to see him go. He's got a lot of enthusiasm for the game and I know he'll do an excellent job elsewhere."

Colley revealed he would prefer to finish his career at Worcester following the wealth of support he received since his much-publicised exit at Tamworth.

He was sacked from the Staffordshire club back in 2003 after falsely claiming to suffer from stomach cancer, which was later exposed as a lie by Colley, who blamed his situation on severe depression.

Former City boss John Barton signed him last summer and Colley admits the club's understanding fans helped enormously in settling him at the club.

Colley added: "The supporters have been absolutely magnificent to me. They made a hell of a difference in helping me settle in as quickly as I did. It was great to know they wanted me here.

"Everybody has been understanding to me, including the chairman and the new manager.

"They have been excellent. I don't foresee ever leaving Worcester while I'm wanted."