City's average gates have dropped to below 600 at St George's Lane

Worcester City vice-chairman Jim Panter claims that unless more fans start attending home games the club may be forced to change their constitution.

The debt-ridden Conference club, hit hard by winter postponements, hope for a bumper gate for Saturday's FA Trophy derby against Kidderminster Harriers.

But Panter has warned: "We either stay as a community-based club owned by a wide number of shareholders.

"Or we change our articles and welcome in one or two larger investors."

In a prepared statement, Panter added: "We need help and we need it now.

"We need to encourage the return of the missing hundreds who have turned their back on the club in despair at the club politics.

"There are no politics left.

There are no politics left at Worcester City Vice-chairman Jim Panter

"Please respond positively and get down to the Lane.

"Use it or lose it is an overworked phrase but it might be appropriate in this case."

The average attendance at St George's Lane this season has dropped below 600 - but the club are hoping for a 2,000 gate for the FA Trophy third round tie against Harriers.

Worcester are due an annual payment in June of £62,500 from one of their main sponsors, building firm Careys New Homes, the owners of their ground.

But Careys have instead made a loan to see City through to the end of the season set against the proposed ultimate £3.5m purchase price of St George's Lane.

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