CHAIRMAN Steve Goode confirmed Worcester City plans to stand by its management team over the summer and delivered a ringing endorsement of boss John Snape and his staff.

Snape has come under fire at times during a topsy-turvy season in which senior players have moved on to higher levels while promotion hopes have evaporated.

In December, Goode indicated Snape’s position would be reviewed unless City finish “in the top three or four” of the Midland Football League Premier Division this season.

FLASHBACK | Steve Goode on the future of manager John Snape in December

Worcester has won three and drawn three of 10 league games since to sit ninth but the handling of key departures and a focus on securing the future of developing talent has impressed the club’s hierarchy.

“We all spoke as a board as we said we would and all of us could see what we have. We believe we have the right people in place,” said Goode.

“I am expecting a few negatives but I think there will be far more people positive about it.

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“Having worked with them over the past few months we have seen how both (Snape and assistant Ashley Vincent) dedicate themselves to this club seven days per week.

“I think we get really good value for money. The changing room is very good and all the players ­— including those who might not be playing ­— speak very highly of the whole management team.

“They have been around the game a long time, have the right idea about football and go far beyond what they are paid to do for the club.

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“This season has not been the best and John and Ash would be the first to admit that.

"People have opinions but if they sat and listened to what they have to say, they get across what they are trying to do in understandable plain English.

“They put in place the basics for us to build on and the lads understand what is expected of them.

“Looking at the games we have lost, I would not always blame the management. They send out the best team they can.

“I have faith in both of them. If people give them the chance, and we as a board will be giving them that chance, then these young lads can be brought on and I can see us going really well in the future.

“Everyone on the board feels the same way, we appreciate the effort they give and believe they are the people that will turn this club around."

City had been due to continue their quest to finish the season with a flourish at home to Coventry Sphinx at the Victoria Ground tonight but the match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. 

READ MORE | City v Sphinx - match off

Goode added: “If we can get the starts (in games) we can build from there. It is a young team and confidence is important so now is the time to get behind the lads like never before.

“They are all capable of performing at this level which they proved on Saturday (at Quorn) and like they have in the past.

“It is no good sitting in the stands shouting criticism, we need to get behind them. There is not much use telling the lads when they have had a bad game because they know.

“I feel really positive about what is going to happen to this club. Things have not been brilliant but they are getting better and I think we can push on.”