NORTH: Worcester City extend Barton's contract

Worcester City have today extended the contract of their Manager John Barton for an extra 12 months, which will keep him at the Lane until at least May 2006. Barton, whose current deal expires at the end of this season has agreed to a new one year extension on top of that.

Barton celebrated his fifth anniversary in charge last Saturday with a 3-2 victory at Droylsden and the manager has overseen a steady upturn in City's fortunes during that period. Having taken over a relegation threatened side he has managed to achieve improved League positions each season with a fifth place last season being the Club's best finish since 1988-89.

Club Chairman Dave Boddy said: "We are delighted that John has agreed to this extension. It was a unanimous decision of the Board that we wanted John to continue for at least another season and something that we have been discussing for the last couple of months.

"We are on course to achieve the play-off place that we have targeted despite the continuing horrendous run of injuries, with the best squad of players that we have had during John's reign. It is important to the stability of the Club during what will be a vital period for the Club that we have continuity. John has proven that he can deliver under the resources that we have available to us and has done an excellent job."

Keith Stokes-Smith resigns

City Director Keith Stokes-Smith has resigned from the Board. Stokes-Smith who had predominantly been responsible for Sponsorship had been a Director since July 2001. Chairman, Dave Boddy paid tribute to Stokes-Smith saying: "We are disappointed to lose Keith, he has made a valuable contribution to the Board bringing corporate expertise and financial skills. I would like to place on record our thanks and wish him all the best for the future".