The John Barton column

TWO years ago this Saturday I returned to St George's Lane as manager with Worcester City languishing near the bottom of the league with just nine points from 15 games.

At the time I thought it wasn't going to be a quick-fix job and I must admit six to eight weeks after taking charge I realised it was going to be even tougher then I expected on first arrival.

But I think in general we have since taken positive strides forward albeit with the occasional step backwards.

The potential for Worcester City is there for all to see as we witnessed for the Belper Town FA Cup replay last week. Whether we ever fulfil that potential depends on a lot of factors. Some people look at our situation and make assessment and judgements but the reality of the club's situation is a mystery to them.

There are some aspects of the club's business that remain confidential and because people don't know what is going on they make snap opinions but they are not really in possession of the full facts.

What I do know is that having been here as a player during its halcyon days and enjoyed some special nights at St George's Lane, it is going to be a sad day if we ever move.

But we understand the reasons why the club has got to move so it can be in a position to enjoy the next 100 years.

Last night's match against Mangotsfield United was our 20th of the season and in the last few games our form has dipped a little bit and we are still not getting a full 90-minute performance.

Injuries and suspension can be used as excuses but we have conceded too many silly goals and it's not good enough. It's left us needing to score three and four to win and though we've been freescoring we've only done it in patches.

The treatment room continues to be in full use with Darren Middleton the latest casualty and it means we have got to look at somehow stretching our resources even further and being more efficient with it.

That is why because of the inherited situation we have to make sure that whatever we commit ourselves to, that we get a return for it.

Jamie Hyde was on the scoresheet on Saturday and he's returned to the side after being out.

Like any young player he's in for a bit then out and hopefully those spells in time will become longer. To be fair to him he's not been in the side recently but has worked hard in training and that goal will do him the world of good.

He's a naturally attacking player but has been dropping deep in front of the full back where his strength is up front using his enthusiasm and pace to get at people.

It's back to Dr Martens Premier Division action on Saturday with the visit of Cambridge City who've got a sprinkling of experience and are always difficult opposition.

We've fallen behind in the league in terms of games due to the cup competitions but nobody is running away with the title so everybody is still in with a shout which makes it vital for us to try and get three points.