TEAM spirit could not be higher at Worcester City at the moment - despite their poor start to the new season.

That is the view of midfielder John Deakin, the latest player to follow the well-worn path from Kidderminster Harr-iers to St George's Lane.

City's failure to win in their first eight games could easily become a source of dissent in the dressing room and players splitting into factions.

But Deakin says the opposite has happened. "Once you lose the spirit and players start griping at each other, you are not going to get out of it. But everybody is good and we are all together.

"Everybody is clear in their mind on what we need to do. We have to believe in what is being asked of us and we have to keep going. I am sure the lads are strong enough to do that."

He also paid tribute to the patience of the supporters, who expected better things this season. "They have been fantastic - they are just waiting for it to happen and we have to make sure that it does. They have got behind the team."

The skilful 32-year-old did Football League service for Barnsley, Doncaster, Grimsby, Birmingham, Carlisle and Wycombe before linking up with City boss Graham Allner at Harriers in 1992.

He played a key role in their Conference-winning season of 1994, when they also reached the fifth round of the FA Cup.

"I was there for seven years and had a lot of success and enjoyed it.

"But immediately I was told there was no future for me at Kidderminster, I wanted to get away as soon as possible.

"I know Graham and I know how he likes to play the game. It suits me and I know how successful it can be if he gets it going."

Wednesday, September 8, 1999.