On Friday, the shareholders of Worcester City Football Club will vote for who they want to lead them. It is not overstating the case to say it could be the most important decision in the club’s history.

WORCESTER City’s current board have stated their aim to be a Football League club within 10 years by moving to a new ground at Nunnery Way.

A planning application has been submitted and the intention is for a ground to be ready for the 2010/11 season and the club to be debt-free.

They also plan to introduce fund-raising initiatives to eat into the debt, which stood at £978,013 in the last accounts released. Forging links with the community is also another key objective highlighted.

The Shareholders Action Group (SAG) feel Nunnery Way is not financially viable and have proposed an alternative relocation project at the Cinderella Ground in St John’s.

In the meantime, they intend to increase the revenue generated at St George’s Lane, including a Legends Bar overhaul, to help reduce the debt.

They are concerned about the way the club is run and believe it is in danger of folding if the status quo continues.

At Friday’s meeting, people can choose between the current board of directors, together with additional representatives, the Shareholders Action Group or a mixture. Below is a look at the candidates:

CURRENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVES

ANTHONY HAMPSON: Club chairman, recently appointed as successor to Dave Boddy. A previous chairman of Hereford and Worcester Business Link and vice-chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Hawtec.

A previous sponsor of the club, he also served as chairman of the English Symphony Orchestra and is a keen sportsman.

DAVE BODDY: Chairman of five years who resigned from the role earlier this month after initially joining the board in 2000.

A current director of the Football Conference and has also sat on the Alliance committee at the Football Association.

Had a two-year stint as commercial manager at the club earlier in his career.

LAURIE BROWN: A City director of 16 years and was vice-chairman to Dave Boddy and Dr Michael Sorensen.

An accountant, he runs the club’s Supergold Lottery, organises the annual fireworks display at the Lane and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the club offices.

TONY PARTRIDGE: A current director with responsibility for health and safety at City. He joined the board after assisting with the Vice-President’s Club and has been involved with City for more than 30 years.

JON PRESCOTT: A director of the club since 1994 and currently in charge of the Legends Bar at the Lane.

He is due to retire from the board on January 31, 2009, and said: “There have been highs and lows but, as in every day life, you have to accept them. I have always tried to be approachable and open with all supporters.”

SIMON WILLIAMS: Co-opted to the board in June and set up a commercial committee.

He has 25 years experience in business and currently owns and holds directorships with a number of organisations, including business coaching firm Arrivista Ltd. Ombersley-based, he is also a rugby referee.

JIM PANTER: Has lived in Worcester and worked in the area for 25 years and currently runs a consultancy firm which looks at developing and growing business performance.

A former rugby player, he is chairman of the Worcester Heritage and Amenity Trust which runs Tudor House.

DAVID HALLMARK: A local solicitor of 30 years. He is a former president of the amateur arm of Worcester RFC and an ex-director of WRFC Trading Limited.

He is also involved with local charities such as St Richard’s Hospice, the Maggs Day Centre and Acorns Children’s Hospice and is a director of Worcester Golf and Country Club.

ALISTAIR HAYWARD WRIGHT: A chartered accountant who has worked for more than 10 years in the industry. He has had his own Redditch practice for 18 months with more than 300 clients.

He said: “Having several self-employed members of my family, I have always been involved in running small business and this is my passion.”

CLIFF SLADE: A magistrate who has been a supporter of Worcester City since 1965.

He is currently the managing director of a transport training agency. He said: “I am happy to use my knowledge, enthusiasm and time to assist the board and WCFC.”

KEITH STOKES-SMITH: A former director of the club between 2001 and 2003 who has recently assisted with the Nunnery Way business plan and day-to-day finances at City. He is a qualified accountant and chartered secretary.

SHAREHOLDERS ACTION GROUP

BARRY WARD: Former administrator and chairman of Northampton Town and also administrative receiver at Luton Town.

Has lectured to Supporters Direct, the group who provide help to supporters’ trusts nationally, and advised supporters’ trusts at AFC Telford, Swindon, Tranmere and Derby. He is a chartered accountant of 30 years.

DEREK JONES: A former City director who ran the Harry Knowles Lounge but resigned from the board earlier this year.

Part of the group who made three attempts, the last one successful, to force an extraordinary general meeting. Away from football, he owned Henwick Grange Nursing Home but has since sold the business.

MARTIN PINCHES: A director of Pinches Transport Ltd who have been a club sponsor for many years and the main shirt sponsor for the last four seasons.

His fleet of lorries are even emblazoned with the club badge. He is manager of Worcester Sunday League side Arrow 2000.

RICHARD BENTLEY: Currently contracts director of building firm Spicers Ltd and also director of the Hereford and Gloucester Health and Safety Association.

His wife Sue organised a week of football last month as part of the Kick Racism Out Of Football campaign.

INDEPENDENT

COLIN LAYLAND: The chairman of Worcester City Supporters Trust is standing for election independent of both parties.

The current regime asked him to be the trust’s representative on the board but the offer was declined. A former city councillor on two occasions, he volunteers his time to help maintain the stadium in the summer.