CARL Heeley has defended the efforts of Nick Wright during his time at Worcester City amid fans’ criticism of the striker.

Wright has joined Conference North rivals Gloucester City after scoring just five goals in 34 appearances, including 15 as substitute, for the Blue and Whites.

The 27-year-old scored two in the opening-day 2-2 draw against Stalybridge Celtic at Aggborough but his last goal came against Leamington in November.

Despite showing promise at the start of the campaign, he struggled to win over supporters, with some questioning his desire.

While Heeley admits things could have gone better for Wright, the City manager believes the former Kidderminster Harriers player never shirked his duties.

“Sometimes in football things don’t work out and I think Nick falls into that category,” he said. “I probably expected more from him, it hasn’t quite worked out but that’s the way it is.

“He never missed a training session and he’s a brilliant lad. He looks like he doesn’t care but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“He does care, wants to do well and he’s a good player to have around the squad.

“It’s just not quite worked out so he goes with our best wishes. We have parted on good terms.”

Wright’s departure has left City with just Daniel Nti, Mike Symons and Michael Taylor as recognised strikers.

The trio have scored 19 goals between them, with Nti grabbing 10 and Symons eight, although attacking midfielder Sean Geddes is top-scorer with 15 goals.

It also paves the way for academy striker James Lemon to move up the pecking order as City seek to blood some of their younger talents before the end of the season.

Heeley has said he is keen to give minutes to the academy players — the others being Dean Waldron, Jamie Smith and Joao Sousa — but only if the time is right.