WORCESTER City chairman Dave Boddy has picked out his man to succeed John Barton -- but is holding firm not to name the club's new manager until tomorrow afternoon.

A press conference has been arranged at St George's Lane when Barton's successor will be officially unveiled, hours before the new man meets City's players in evening training.

Former Notts County manager Gary Mills, ex-Forest Green Rovers boss Tim Harris and Stafford Rangers chief Phil Robinson are all believed to be in the running.

Evesham-born striker Andy Preece, currently playing for Carlisle United, is a favourite choice among supporters but he yesterday claimed to have not applied.

Boddy last night completed his interviews of the four applicants shortlisted for the post and is today looking to finalise details of the manager's contract.

He said: "We've got through the process of interviewing the candidates. The standard of candidates has been excellent. All of them have given a good account of themselves.

"I think we've got to a point where we know who our man is. We've now got to go through the formalities, tying up loose ends and contracts, before we make any formal announcement."

City's Nationwide North clash at home to leaders Southport provides a daunting first challenge for the new boss but Boddy is confident the fresh appointment will bring about a change in fortunes.

City have picked up just one league point from a possible 15 since the turn of the year.

Their woeful form has sent them slipping down to 15th in the division, nine points from relegation.

Boddy added: "As I've said before, we have got to stop the rot and try, if we can, to still make the play-offs. From where we sit at the moment, we've got an awful lot to do to get to the play-offs.

"We've picked up just one point since Christmas and we have been in freefall. We've now got a big weekend coming up with Southport and Gainsborough. It's a good couple of games for the new manager to get his teeth into."

n Worcester reserves won 2-0 at Bromsgrove in the Central Conference last night.