NOBODY has witnessed a greater variety in Worcester City's kit down the years quite like skipper Carl Heeley.

Centre-half Heeley, 35, currently enjoying his testimonial year at City, is familiar to changes in strip after proudly donning a wide range of shirts, shorts and socks during his decade at St George's Lane.

The club's latest blue and white offering, paraded by Worcester model Natalie Denning during last Saturday's home defeat to Barrow, has been met with the captain's seal of approval.

"The new kit looks quite smart. It's very nice," enthused Heeley. "Personally, I like the idea of going back to the traditional stripes. I've always liked that and I favoured that in my early years at the club.

"I think Worcester has been historically more recognised for their stripes. I'm sure supporters will be pleased with the new kit.

"I've gone through many, many kits down the years. The one that sticks in my mind was the bright tangerine kit we had.

"It was brought in as a third kit and I think that we were going to solely use it in cup games. It wasn't the nicest and I think we only got to use it three times."

Heeley is expected to return to action today as City lock horns with in-form side Droylsden in the final league game of the campaign at the Lane.

However, Worcester's long-time servant will be without the calming presence of fellow veteran Paul Carty in defence.

Despite their advancing age, both wholehearted performers are desperate to play significant roles in player-manager Andy Preece's plans for next season.

Heeley added: "We are still in good physical shape. I'm a firm believer that there is no substitute for experience, providing you keep yourself in good physical shape. Your age is not important, whatever anybody says.

"Obviously, as you get older, you lose a little bit of pace. But I'd like to think you compensate for that with your reading of the game.

"At the moment, Paul is playing tremendously well as sweeper. He is one of those players that if he is on his game, he can play everywhere on the pitch. It's great for any manager to have a player of that versatility.

"On a personal level, I've known Paul for many years and we have a great relationship on the pitch. Whether he's playing left-back, centre-back, in front in midfield or playing sweeper, we work well together and there's a good understanding between us.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, the benefit that we have is that both of us can play in a three, four or five-man defence. It does not matter what formation is chosen on any given day."

Heeley added: "The players don't know what the manager's plans are. I think his immediate aim is to freshen things up with a couple of signings.

"It's refreshing to see the optimism around the place created because of the gaffer and Andy Morrison. How we progress next season depends on what changes are made in the summer."