Yates is prepared to bide his time over potential signings

Kidderminster Harriers manager Mark Yates hopes to make "two or three" signings by the end of the week, but says he will not rush into decisions.

He told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "We're not rushing into anything and we're doing things as and when we can as regards bringing in better players.

"But as regards the ones that we are looking at, we will not be rushed into any decisions we might later regret."

Harriers are facing a reduced playing budget from last season.

But in addition to those players who could be joining later in the week, Yates says he is delighted a number of last season's players have opted to remain at Aggborough.

Last year's squad were a great bunch of players who really worked hard together and we were really unlucky we didn't quite get where we wanted to Mark Yates

He is especially pleased that striker Matt Barnes-Homer has signed a new two-year deal as he feels the player could have a very bright future.

"Barnesie was a massive signing for us, as will two or three be later this week hopefully," he said.

"Last year's squad were a great bunch of players who really worked hard together and we were really unlucky we didn't quite get where we wanted to.

"A lot of players have moved on and I wish them well in their new careers wherever they may be playing, but I have just got to focus on this year," he added.

Harriers will open their pre-season programme with training matches at Bromyard Town on Friday and Bewdley Town the next day, but Yates's thoughts are already turning to the first league match.

Harriers have once again been handed an opening-day home game against one of the newly-promoted sides.

Hayes and Yeading United will visit Aggborough on Saturday, 8 August and Yates says recent history tells him these can prove very tricky fixtures.

"They are never going to be any stronger than they are for the first league game of the season," he said.

"They will be massively up for it, they will have everybody fit from pre-season and it will be a new experience for the majority of their players.

"I am sure they will a smattering of experienced players but they will come here, see the surroundings and the pitch and they will fancy it."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version