Defender Lee Baker leaves Kidderminster for Newport

Lee Baker made 36 appearances for Harriers last season

Kidderminster Harriers full-back Lee Baker has joined newly promoted Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Newport County.

Baker, 21, turned down a two-year deal at Aggborough opting to become County boss Dean Holdsworth's fourth summer signing.

"I see him fitting in very well," said ex-Wimbledon striker Holdsworth.

"He gives us good options and his desire to play at the top of his game is a delight to hear."

Newport ran away with the Blue Square South title last season with a record 103 points, finishing 28 points ahead of their nearest rivals.

Holdsworth has already signed former Havant & Waterlooville winger Tony Taggart, Woking midfielder Guiseppe Sole and Forest Green Rovers defender Oliver Thorne.

Harriers assistant manager Gary Whild admitted he was disappointed that Baker had chosen to leave.

"We were hoping Lee would stay but we have had contact with him and he said he has had a good offer elsewhere," said Whild.

"He is pretty chuffed he has had a good offer so unfortunately we can't keep him."

The former West Bromwich Albion player was a key figure for Harriers last season and Whild told BBC Hereford and Worcester manager Steve Burr had worked hard to try and keep him at the club.

"I know Steve thought highly of him and that was obviously reflected in the deal on offer," he added.

There was a possible two-year deal there for him and that illustrated how highly we thought of him

Harriers assistant manager Gary Whild

But Whild said he Burr were delighted to have finalised one-year deals with three of the club's rising stars.

Centre-back Tom Sharpe and midfielders Kyle Hadley and Nathan Hayward have all agreed terms after breaking through last season.

Whild believes the trio have bright futures and is looking forward to working with them next season.

"It is good to get those three lads on board," he said.

"Tom was more involved last season than the other two but it is an opportunity for them to prove their worth going forward."

Sharpe made 16 appearances for Harriers last season and Whild said they are looking to pair him with an experienced defender in order to continue his development.

"He has got a good pedigree although he is at a young age so is still learning," added Whild.

"But we have got high hopes for him and hopefully we can bring in someone to help him along the way."

Harriers have also confirmed Martin Riley is likely to be the target of other clubs although he has been offered a new deal.

Transfer-listed striker Robbie Matthews has reportedly been in talks with Gateshead but Gary Whild admits he is not aware if those talks have advanced beyond an initial enquiry stage.