Tough decisions

It's getting to the stage where he has to decide which players to keep and who to let go as he plots a title course for next season.

But the most pressing priority is surely to secure the future of some of the younger players who have played such a key part in City's recent successes.

Barton is playing his cards close to his chest, saying nothing will be announced until after the final game of the season at Havant and Waterlooville on May 5.

Teenage winger Jamie Hyde, whose recent displays have led to him winning the club's young player of the year prize, signed an extended deal earlier this season, as did goalkeeper Paul Wyatt, who has made a fine impression on the occasions he has stood in for Danny McDonnell.

The first priority will definitely be to secure a longer deal for striker Mark Shepherd, who initially signed from Moor Green until the end of the season.

Shepherd has added a different dimension to City's attack, even if all of his five goals to date have come in cup matches.

His skilful touches and ability to hold the ball up suggest he could be the partner that Mark Owen has been seeking for so long.

Marc Burrow rejoined the club from Bromsgrove Rovers early this year, originally to add more depth to the squad.

But he's become an influential player since with some great work in midfield, and has cropped up with some important goals as well, and he needs to be secured.

The other teenager who has had a chance in recent weeks, Wesley Joyce, has adapted manfully to playing in a variety of positions, even if he sometimes shows his lack of experience, and he deserves another chance to show his worth.

And as he proved in their dramatic cup semi-final victory over Newport, he has an eye for goal as well, and his second goal emphasises that he can strike a ball as well, if not better, than anyone on the staff.

Of the rest of the players, several are already on long-term deals that carry them through to next season, such as midfielder Andy Ellis and top scorer Owen.

The vast majority of the current squad will surely be retained but Barton has made no secret of his desire to land a new full-back, central midfielder and striker.

Names are already in the frame, the most notable being Burton Albion's Allan Davies who spent three months on loan at City earlier this season.

Tomorrow City hope to have the Dr Martens League Cup to bring back home from Crawley Town, holding a 4-0 advantage from last week's first leg at St George's Lane.

City will be bidding to land the trophy - appropriately named the Worcester Vase - for the first time in 61 years.

Then on Saturday it's a tough trip to Dr Martens League Premier Division leaders Margate, who could clinch the title if results this week go their way.

n Worcester's long-serving midfielder Ian Cottrill will kick-off his testimonial year with a sportsman's dinner.

It will be held on Saturday, May 19 at the Copcut Elm, Droitwich Spa, and the guest speaker will be John Sillett, the man who led Coventry City to FA Cup glory and also had two spells in charge of Hereford United.

Tickets cost £25 each and are available from the club on 01905-23003.

Cottrill, who passed 400 appearances for City earlier this season, is also set to have a testimonial match early next season against a top club.