NICK Colley has revealed how words of praise from Andy Preece back in March convinced him to stay with Worcester City.

Colley is one of a whole batch of players to have committed themselves to the St George's Lane club for another season.

But the midfielder, who made 36 appearances during the last campaign, was one of the first to pledge his future to manager Andy Preece.

After playing in the 2-2 draw at Blyth Spartans on January 27, Colley only made one more start before being named in the team to face Barrow on Friday, March 23.

The 32-year-old not only scored in that 3-0 victory at the Lane, along with George Clegg and Mark Danks, but was also picked out by Preece for his performance.

Colley said: "I was out of the side for a little while and things were not going too well for the team on the pitch.

"We played Barrow at home on the Friday and it was the first match the manager had put me back in.

"Afterwards he singled me out for praise and I made the decision then that if he offered me any deal I would sign for him and that's what happened.

"His words to me were that I give him 120 per cent and he can't find anybody else to do the job that I do for City.

"He made me walk 10 feet tall that evening. It was all sorted right at the end of the season. It was the right decision."

Now Colley has his sights set on returning to full fitness for the start of the Blue Square North season on August 11.

Colley, who scored three times for City last season, struggled with an injury towards the end of last season and has since been diagnosed with a groin problem, for which he is having treatment.

The former Tamworth midfielder said: "He (Preece) knew I played for eight or nine weeks with an injury.

"It's been a lousy close season because normally I would be out running. I hope to be ready for the start of the season and I'm doing everything I can.

"I love the club and I love the supporters and they know that with the way I celebrate after a win."

He added: "I am optimistic we are going to have a good season.

"We have got a close-knit squad and hopefully nobody will be injured at the start like last season with Adam Webster."