Gary Whild won't fear rebuild challenge at Kidderminster Harriers

With just eight players contracted for next term, the manager knows he faces a stern challenge over the coming weeks to rebuild his squad on a significantly reduced budget. But Whild is approaching the task with relish as he looks to move on and put a nightmare season at Aggborough behind.

"For me, it is similar to when I first came to the club as Steve Burr's assistant in 2010," he said.

"Steve had been there from January but essentially we had to start from scratch.

"It does not worry me, I do not think it is a problem needing to recruit fresh players. We have shown we are quite capable of it."

Harriers have Jared Hodgkiss, Aman Verma, Jack Byrne, Craig Reid, Keyon Reffell, Reece Styche, Luke Maxwell and Kennedy Digie on deals for next season.

Offers have also been made to Jamie Grimes and Jordan Tunnicliffe with Whild expecting both to accept, though veterans Danny Lewis, Callum Gittings and Kevin Nicholson have all departed.

"I don't think it came as much of a surprise," said the manager. "Danny is coming up to 33 shortly and has a young family who he wants to spend more time with.

"Callum is in a similar position and I think both want to get something fixed up so they can play part-time.

"Kevin is based in Torquay and wants to find something closer to home."

Whild believes it will be several weeks before any new faces arrive but he is not fazed by the work ahead, or his budget.

"It's going to be tough," he said. "We have to make sure we get the recruitment right but that is not a problem from my point of view.

"There is a commitment the budget is going to be stable and that is the most important thing. The worst thing is what we have experienced his season when you are unable to meet the budget and unable to pay staff and players.

"There is now a real positivity about what is unfolding."

I'm sure the people at the top have the right ideas to make sure things happen."