ANDY Preece admits it will be tough releasing players who helped guide Worcester City to a seventh-place finish.

The St George's Lane club ended their Nationwide North season in disappointing fashion on Saturday, crashing 3-0 at Gainsborough Trinity following a poor second-half display.

But despite a miserable loss at Northolme Stadium, Worcester maintained their position above local rivals Redditch United, who lost 3-2 at home to Stalybridge Celtic on the final day of the league programme.

Preparations for next season are now set to begin with Preece expected to release a clutch of players in order to bring in fresh faces.

But City's player-manager accepts that it will not be easy showing the door to several squad members.

"It's the toughest job there is at the end of the season," said Preece "It's even tougher when you consider what the lads have given me and Jock (Andy Morrison) and the football club over the last few months.

"But these decisions have to be made. We are still within a tight budget, so one or two will have to go to give us money to bring in new players. We do need a couple of fresh faces.

"I've spoken to one or two players (about their future), but all decisions will get made within the next week."