A NEW era could be about to dawn at Worcester City as shareholders prepare for tonight’s historic annual general meeting.

Sixteen nominees are standing for election to the club’s board — 11 connected to the existing regime, four from the Shareholders Action Group (SAG) and Supporters’ Trust chairman Colin Layland.

They are all bidding to be part of a maximum 12-man board to steer City through arguably the most challenging time in their 106-year history.

The St George’s Lane club are around £1million in debt and also have an additional bank loan of £800,000.

Plans are currently in the pipeline to sell the Lane and move to a new stadium at Nunnery Way, although SAG have outlined an alternative location at the Cinderella Ground in St John’s.

Tonight’s meeting, which takes place at County Hall at 7pm, is scheduled to be followed by an extraordinary general meeting, the calling of which by SAG started the present process.

Whatever the outcome, within 24 hours attention will switch to the pitch as City take on Blue Square South leaders Chelmsford City at St George’s Lane.

Manager Richard Dryden is keen for the current power struggle to end and hopes the aftermath will lead to a positive future.

He said: “It’s a big week for the club off the pitch. Hopefully, it will get sorted out so everybody knows where they stand.

“We will try and stay away from it. When everything is done and dusted, if people want to come and tell the players what’s happening that will be better for them.

“The performances at home haven’t been great and the supporters haven’t had a lot to cheer about.

“Hopefully, we can give them something to cheer about on the pitch.”