FORMER Worcester City striker Andy Preece has ruled himself out of the vacant manager's job at St George's Lane.

Evesham-born Preece, 37, currently leading the line for Nationwide Conference club Carlisle United, denied applying for the post made available following John Barton's exit on January 20.

City chairman Dave Boddy received 36 applications and narrowed it down to a shortlist of four, with interviews currently taking place with a view to appointing Barton's successor ahead of Saturday's clash with leaders Southport.

Preece's declaration to stay in Cumbria for the time being will disappoint City supporters who believed he had the right credentials to steer the club back in the right direction.

He enjoyed a one-year-spell at the Lane in 1989/90 before going on to play for Wrexham, Stockport, Crystal Palace, Blackpool and Bury in the Football League.

Preece took charge as player-boss at Gigg Lane for four years in difficult financial circumstances before switching to Carlisle, where he is the club's joint top-scorer this season with 13 goals.

Although Preece is out of contract at Brunton Park at the end of the current campaign, he has no intention of heading back to Worcester in the immediate future.

"Not at the moment", said Preece. "I don't know anything about it. As regards to any managerial post, it depends on the situation at Carlisle because my contract is up at the end of the season. I have not heard anything about getting a new deal at Carlisle either.

"It went really well during my year at City. I obviously know the club so I suppose it is natural I would get linked with it. Obviously, I'm from down that way.

"You've got to see what there is available and you can't really rule anything in or out. If Worcester came in, I would have to look at it."

Meanwhile, winger Nick Colley, defender Matt Gardiner and striker James Smith are expected to play for Worcester City reserves at Bromsgrove Rovers tonight in the Central Conference (7.45).

City beat Malvern 6-1 last night in the Worcestershire Youth Cup.