WORCESTER City have paid just short of the club's record transfer fee of £8,500 to secure the signature of striker Adam Webster from Bedworth United.

The 21-year-old passed a medical last night and has signed a contract until May 2004.

City's record transfer fee was paid to Telford United in 1981 for Jimmy Williams, and the undisclosed four-figure sum for Webster is described as "substantial".

Manager John Barton revealed he was delighted to finally get his man after weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiating.

"It's been the longest-running transfer I've been involved in but I'm pleased to have pulled it off," he said.

"The fee is undisclosed but it is a substantial amount and demonstrates the club's ambition."

Webster, who impressed for Bedworth in their recent 4-0 Dr Martens Cup win over City, is expected to travel with the team for their Dr Martens Premier Division clash at Weymouth tomorrow (3pm), although he will not play due to a back strain.

Leon Jackson (knee) is out tomorrow but Allan Davies and Paul Carty are both fit.

Barton also disclosed he was keen to try and extend the loan periods of striker Stewart Hadley and defender Mark Blount, who have both done well in their spell at the club.

City's Dr Martens Premier Division clash at Hinckley United has been rearranged for Saturday, February 23 (3pm). The game was postponed on Boxing Day because of a frozen pitch.