TO say it's been an eventful week for Worcester City Football Club would probably be the understatement of the season.

First, we had the announcement of the new £8 million ground at Nunnery Way, an historic moment that brought to an end years of speculation.

And with the ink on the contract barely dry, Andy Preece's side came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Boston United following the most amazing of finales.

It is therefore not surprising that a buzz has been generated around the club, an air of anticipation of what is to come.

Of course, City's dramatics in Lincolnshire were just the icing on the cake with talk surrounding the new ground reaching fever pitch among fans.

Just spending a few hours with them on the coach to York Street provided evidence that everyone, both young and old, is enthused at the prospect of a new stadium.

Andy Pitt, editor of the fans' page in the matchday programme and a City supporter since 1970, said: "We have had periods of optimism in the past where it has looked good, but I think this time it really does look like something is happening and I'm looking forward to it.

"We know it's got to happen because this club will go bust otherwise.

"With St Modwen getting involved as well, I am confident we are going to do it this time and hopefully it will be the answer to all our prayers.

"We can write off our debts, move forward and hopefully eventually become a full-time club, get into the Conference and maybe we could even be pushing for League football."

Teenager Tom Maysey, who runs the fans' internet forum, said: "I have only been a fan for three years but I've heard a lot about it and I think it's looking very promising now.

"Hopefully it will encourage a few more fans to come up and support their local side."

But, although upbeat about the future, there are those keen to ensure the past is not forgotten.

Vice chairman Keith Chamb-ers, 60, said: "It's always sad to leave something that you're fond of but we will always remember St George's Lane as we look at other things in the city that used to be there.

"I will always remember the spot where I stood against Liverpool in 1959 and the games when Malcolm Allison was there and the characters that have been to the Lane.

"It is what football grounds used to be but football grounds are now modern stadiums with good facilities.

"As someone who works on the ground during the summer, it's increasingly difficult to maintain.

"We are really just patching up St George's Lane.

"It's essential that we get modern facilities and hopefully attract youngsters."

Supporters club membership secretary Jane Clarke, a fan of 30 years, added: "I hope they will manage to keep that name somewhere in the title of the new stadium because we have a lot of affection for St Geor-ge's Lane but we've got to move on.

"I hope they will have a big concert or something and auction some of the fittings off for the fans so we'll all have a bit of St George's Lane."