AFTER a decade's loyal service at Worcester City, you'd be forgiven for thinking that nothing ever surprises captain Carl Heeley.

But even City's long-serving skipper was amazed at the stick dished out by a section of support towards the team and manager John Barton following Saturday's FA Cup exit at St George's Lane.

A small portion of the criticism thrown from the terraces following the 3-1 defeat to Cambridge City was even directed at Mr Worcester City himself.

However, nobody is hurting more at the club's current plight than centre-half Heeley and nobody is more determined to put things right on the pitch.

Heeley, 35, who has been awarded a testimonial year, was particularly dismayed at comments questioning his selection in the team.

He is firmly of the opinion that negative vibes from supporters will have a strictly adverse affect on the team as it seeks to end a four-game losing streak against league leaders Alfreton Town this Friday.

As City battle to halt the rot in the face of an ever worsening injury-crisis, confirmed yesterday when goalkeeper Danny McDonnell was ruled out for more than a month's action, Heeley insists encouragement rather than harsh words is needed from the home faithful.

Heeley said: "It's within everybody's right to have a pop at the players, the manager and the board when something goes wrong. But we look to the supporters for encouragement when things are going bad on and off the pitch. We just don't seem to be getting that.

"I've not been spared from the criticism. Some people are saying that I'm over the hill and past it, but that's poor to be honest.

"Of course I've lost a little bit of pace as I've got older, but I'm working my way back from injury and people know that I'm not quite at full fitness. I think what some supporters don't realise is that they are not half as frustrated as the players and the manager. We fully understand that it's up to us to turn things around but we need a little bit of a break."

Despite the bickering and dissent from the stands, Heeley has vowed to continue giving every ounce of effort in City colours during a milestone campaign for the veteran defender.

The Wolverhampton-based stop-per joined City in 1994 from Sutton Coldfield Town and is now approaching 500 games for the club, second in the all-time list behind the late Bobby McEwan who played 596 games.

Heeley looks back at his 10 years service with affection and admits the decision to switch to St George's Lane was his best ever move.

He added: "It feels like yesterday when I joined. I remember nursing a bad headache on a Sunday morning when I got the phone call from (former City boss) George Rooney. Within five or six hours I was a Worcester City player and I don't ever regret making the decision.

"This place means a lot to me and the supporters have always been great. I was proud to be given the captaincy and beating Crawley Town in the Southern League Cup and playing Rushden in the FA Cup First Round are undoubtedly the biggest moments for me.

"I feel I'm still worth my place in the side. I've always said that as long as I'm wanted by the club and I'm doing myself justice on the pitch then I'll continue."