WORCESTER City captain Carl Heeley is quietly confident of his side's title chances this season but will not be drawn into making any rash predictions.

He fears the burden of expectation could impose too much pressure on John Barton's players and is urging a low-key approach ahead of City Dr Martens Premier Division campaign.

City have suffered two disappointing eighth place finishes in recent years and long-serving defender Heeley is keen not to raise hopes again.

"If you start making predictions it puts even more pressure on the players and there already is enough at a club the size of City," he said.

"There have been too many times when we have put expectations on ourselves and this time I think we need to keep a low key approach and build up slowly and see how it goes."

Despite his caution, however, Heeley admits to feeling optimistic about City's chances.

"I believe we have got the ability to make a challenge but you have got to keep your best players fit and enjoy a bit of luck," he said.

Heeley, fresh from a tough week of pre-season, has been impressed with Barton's new signings -- John Snape, David Foy and Pat Lyons -- and the fitness levels displayed in a series of training sessions.

"It's been a very testing first week but what is clear is that this is the fittest bunch of lads I've seen in my time here," he said.

"There have been a few trialists and generally the fitness has been excellent.

"The new signings are all good characters, which is important, because their ability is not in question and they will be an asset to Worcester."

City line up for their first pre-season friendly against newly promoted Second Division outfit Cheltenham Town on Saturday at St George's Lane (3pm).

Heeley is looking forward to pitting his skills against former boss Graham Allner, who took over at Cheltenham last month following Steve Cotterill's departure to Stoke City.

"It is quite well documented that Graham's spell at Worcester didn't work out but he's done well to get the job at Cheltenham and I wish him all the best," said Heeley.

"It is going to be a tough season for Cheltenham and they will do well to stay in the Second Division.

"The match itself will be a good test for ourselves against league opposition and I'm looking forward to it."