RICHARD Dryden insists he has the budget to make Worcester City a force to be reckoned with next season.

The St George's Lane manager can now devote himself to preparing for the new campaign following his side's 1-0 defeat at Barrow on Saturday.

Dryden admits there will be a lot of changes, some forced by a likely switch to Blue Square South, but believes he will be able to build a squad for the challenge.

"I'm looking forward now to next season," he said. "There is obviously going to be a few changes and you have got to start by keeping clean sheets and hopefully scoring more goals.

"For everybody's sake involved with the club, once we couldn't realistically hit the play-offs it was time to choke back and save a bit and give us a fresh start for next season budget-wise.

"The budget has gone down but not loads and loads so that it's going to be a team of 16-year-olds playing and two on the bench.

"I know what I've got to work with and, don't get me wrong, it will be as close to the budget as I can get. I will try and entice some good players here."

Dryden is also determined to give the fans something to be proud of next season after watching around 40 make the trip to Cumbria on Saturday.

Many travelled in fancy dress, including the Blues Brothers and Superman, and they were rewarded by the players giving away their shirts at the final whistle.

Dryden said: "It's amazing. We were playing Barrow away on a horrible windy day and you get a coach load of people coming up.

"Next year we've got to get a squad sorted out that can do something. We have got to give something back to the fans sometimes and I'm excited about trying to get a squad sorted out. It might not be as big as usual but it will be competitive."

City have extended the deadline for discounted season tickets until Friday, May 9. Tickets purchased before then will cost £20 less than the normal price.