CAN Worcester City's poor start to the season be put down to the presence of a large blue dragon?

Georgie Dragon, City's new matchday mascot, has yet to see City win since he began patrolling St George's Lane on matchdays at the start of the season.

But Georgie refuses to believe he is an unlucky omen. Commercial director Bob Marley said: "He certainly doesn't believe it is down to him!"

Seriously, Georgie is the spearhead of a club campaign to try and attract more young fans through the gates.

More than 70 children aged 12 and under have signed up for the 'Georgie Dragons', a new junior supporters' club launched at the club's Open Day in July.

Members get many benefit, and the response surprised the club, which meant they didn't have enough replica shirts to cope. A new batch has just arrived.

Although Georgie has not brought the best of luck to the team, he is proving popular with supporters. He has also made personal appearances at other locations in the city, in a bid to increase awareness of the club.

Marley added: "Kids want to hug him and shake his hand, which is great, and I believe when we have more Georgie Dragon merchandise in when the new club shop is opened, it will increase awareness of the Georgie Dragons.

"Mainly it has been very well received and very successful.

"It would obviously be better if performances on the pitch were better, to get kids motivated more, but our next drive is that once the kids are back at school they will start talking about it to their friends."

n City's main Supporters' Club is running transport to Saturday's FA Cup tie at Christchurch, leaving St George's Lane at 9.0am. The cost is £12 and for bookings, call Phil Gardiner on 01905-422085.

Thursday, September 16, 1999.