THE impending summer break brings about endless fascinations for Wor-cester City supporters.
Who will Andy Preece retain from his current squad? Which players are heading in and out of St George's Lane? How much cash does player-manager Preece have to spend?
Each question will get answered in time. But another key question looms -- will Adam Webster still be a City player next season?
Webster is currently the jewel in Worcester's crown following a stunning individual campaign.
He confirmed his status as the club's most treasured playing asset by scooping a hat-trick of awards at Saturday's end-of-season presentation night.
Not only did Webster pick up the Players' Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Year gongs, but the Most Improved Player award came his way too. Tom Warmer picked up the Young Player of the Year award
Nobody can complain about Webster's success. For season-long consistency, the Leicestershire-based striker has stood head and shoulders above the rest. Perhaps only goalkeeper Danny McDonnell came close to wrestling away a player of the year trophy.
The most improved player award should please the 24-year-old the most. On the goalscoring front, Webster has reached new heights by smashing through the 20-goal barrier for the first time since joining from Bedworth United in December 2001.
The likeable 24-year-old striker has netted 24 times in all competitions, most of which came about during two separate hot spells.
At the start of the Nationwide North term, Webster rattled seven goals in eight outings and, following Preece's arrival in early February, outmatched that with 12 goals in as many games.
However, Webster's development is not restricted to his achievements in front of goal. Other areas of his game have improved too, including his link-up play, positional sense and understanding with striker Leon Kelly.
Goals get people talking and most observers would rave over Webster's hat-trick at Hinckley or his doubles against Droylsden and Moor Green.
But strangely, I consider Webster's display in the GLS Cup third round defeat at Tamworth among his best. Despite losing 3-1 to the Nationwide Conference outfit, Webster caused havoc in the Lambs' defence all evening and proved his talent belongs at a higher level.
Prolific scorers are regarded as the most sought after commodities in football. That is why clubs may now come knocking for the City hit-man.
Preece admits that it could be tough hanging on to his sharpshooter. But Worcester should try their hardest to keep Webster if promotion ambitions are to be realised.
Chairman Dave Boddy said: "If the right club came in for Adam, we are not going to stop in his way. But he's contracted to us until next season and we look forward to another season with him.
"Adam got a clean sweep of awards and thoroughly deserved them. I think the most improved player is probably the most significant award of the three. He has played a big part for us this season, not just recently but at the start of the season when we had a good unbeaten run.
"Since Andy Preece came here, Webby's goalscoring ratio has improved drastically and taken him in to the 20s for the first time. His and Leon Kelly's work rate have been terrific.
"But it's not just the goals. It's been his performances all season and, don't forget, Adam has played the season with an ankle injury and should not have been playing.
"The lad also conducts himself in the right manner off the pitch."
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