WORCESTER people - whether football fans or not - already owe a debt of gratitude to John Barton.

He is, after all, the man who last season managed to keep Worcester City in the Dr Martens Premier Division after the disastrous start to the campaign under former manager Graham Allner.

Granted it was by the skin of the teeth - three points clear of the drop zone - but survival was the priority.

This season offers the chance for consolidation. Some astute signings - striker Micky Cotter, wide men Mike Wyatt and Ian Reed, full back Andy Bradley and keeper Danny McDonnell - could help City push for a place in the top six, but luck would have to play a big part in that.

Still, there's no better time for optimism than the first game of the season, and it's tempting to look forward to a fit Cotter and Mark Owen banging in the goals, Martin Weir and Mark Tucker blotting out the opposition's front line, and McDonnell providing a courageous last line of defence.

Tamworth today will provide the first of a series of tough challenges on the pitch this season, while off it the club will continue to be entangled in its quest for a new ground.

It's clear that St George's Lane is no longer the best place for the club to be based. As we have argued time and again, a city like Worcester needs a landmark stadium and a football club whose status befits it.

If the Faithful City is to develop as one of the liveliest, most go-ahead communities in the West Midlands, sporting success is just as important as a vibrant arts scene or top quality shops.

The pressure that will mount on the club's officials - and on city councillors - to come up with a solution will be no less severe than that faced by the players who run out against Tamworth today.

So let's wish all of them the best of luck. They're likely to need it.