WORCESTER City have landed a prized slot in the newly-formed Conference North.

Delighted chairman Dave Bod-dy believes it can spark the start of a new era for the St George's Lane club who will renew rivalries with old foes such as Altrincham, Northwich Victoria and Barrow.

Boddy admitted it was a huge re-lief after fears that they would be dumped in Conference South, entailing much longer travel times and higher costs for the club.

County neighbours Redditch United, who beat Merthyr Tydfil in Saturday's play-off, will join City in the north along with Alfreton Town, Altrincham, Barrow, Bradford Park Avenue, Droylsden, Gainsborough Trinity, Harrogate Town, Hinckley United, Hucknall Town, Lancaster City, Leigh RMI, Moor Green, Northwich Victoria, Nuneaton Borough, Runcorn Halton, Southport, Stafford Rangers, Stalybridge Celtic, Vauxhall Motors, Worksop Town.

"We are delighted and relieved because the implications of going south were unthinkable in terms of extra cost, loss of revenue and player recruitment," said Boddy.

"Within the northern section travelling is relatively easy. There are four or five local derbies in terms of Redditch, Moor Green and the big two of Stafford Rangers and Nuneaton Borough which have traditionally been big games for us.

"Also the fact we will cover a lot of new territory will be more interesting for players and supporters alike.

"It's a new challenge and the mere fact there are play-off places available adds to the interest.

"In the past, with the three feeder leagues, it's been champions and that's it. I believe with this new set-up there will be champions up and then a play-off between places two to five.

"There will be a real buzz around the place and it means manager John Barton can get on with the business of recruiting players. That will be crucial because players living in the northern section obviously wouldn't sign for us if we were playing south."

For City, whose fifth place in this season in the Dr Martens Premier was their best finish in 15 years, the new set-up offers a new challenge but ultimately a stiffer one, says Boddy.

"The competition will be stronger because the best teams of three leagues have been fed into two, but the play-offs give you extra chances to make promotion," he added.