WORCESTER City utility man Kevin Willetts says there is no connection between his return to form and John Barton's appointment as manager.

The experienced 37-year-old has been one of City's most improved players in recent weeks, having made the left-back berth his own.

Willetts, brought in as player-coach by former boss Graham Allner from Kidderminster Harriers in the summer, was one of several players to struggle as City made a poor start to the season.

But he says his recent performances have been more down to his return to fitness than a change of management.

He said: "In fairness to John and Graham, it wasn't anything to do with the change of manager. It was a matter of getting myself fit.

"I had an operation in the summer, but I came back and was hoping to have a good pre-season. But I had a rib injury in the first friendly against Cheltenham and it all snowballed from there.

"While Graham was here I didn't really have a chance to get a settled run in the side.

"Since John came along it has co-incided with the longest period I have had injury-free, and I am getting stronger with every game I play."

Willetts is still officially on the transfer list and has been replaced as coach by Mick Tuohy - but is keen to stay at St George's Lane and help the club climb up the Dr Martens League Premier Division table.

"I don't think anybody is kidding themselves that because we have had a good run, we are out of trouble.

"We need to win another five or six games at the very least and the sooner we win them, the better. Nobody is complacent in the dressing room.

"The pleasing thing from a dressing room point of view is that the lads are now looking at how high they can finish, and that is a confidence thing in itself.

"There are a lot of talented players here and there is a great chance we can finish in the top 10. We need to get on another run and that is what everybody is looking to do."

Willetts is looking forward to Saturday's FA Umbro Trophy fifth round tie at Telford United and is confident they can upset the odds and reach the last eight.

He said: "The Trophy is a welcome distraction - that is all it can be.

"It will be a great day out for the supporters and with a bit of luck and the wind in the right direction, we can get a result."