EVRAN Wright is out to repay the Worcester City fans after causing them so much misery in recent years.

The prolific striker has so often been a thorn in City's side during his days with Halesowen Town, and has scored their only goal at St George's Lane for the last four seasons.

Now the boot is on the other foot after the 34-year-old moved to City in the summer on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling.

He is keen to play down his past scoring record against City -- ''it is just how things went'' -- but added: ''I am looking forward to the new season and hoping to get a few goals.''

Wright, one of the most prolific strikers in Midlands non-league soccer, made his name at Stourbridge before a spell in the Football League with Walsall.

He then had four seasons with Halesowen -- interrupted by a brief spell at Telford last season -- before joining City.

Wright said: ''I just needed a change. They had been going for the title for the last three years I was there, but they were looking for a younger team this year so I decided to move on.

''I have always liked the pitch at Worcester -- it is nice and big -- and they have big crowds. It is a good place to come.''

He says he is relishing the challenge ahead. ''Everything is looking good. There is a lot of competition for places, and we will be challenging for the title this season, no doubt about it.''

Although troubled by injury in pre-season, Wright made his comeback in Saturday's final friendly at Bilston, and hopes to claim a starting place in Saturday's Dr Martens Premier Division opener at home to newly-promoted Grantham Town.

''It was just nice to get through 45 minutes on Saturday. I will have a week of training to get a little bit of sharpness, and I should be ready by Saturday.''

After Saturday's game, City face a tough away start at strongly-fancied Burton Albion next Tuesday.

City's reserves also start their season at Burton on Saturday in the Endsleigh Midland Combination, and then are at home to Nuneaton next Monday.

Wednesday, August 19, 1998