Yates unsure of best side

The Harriers manager is convinced his new-look squad is stronger than the group that missed out on the Conference play-offs last season before losing the FA Trophy Final at Wembley.

And Yates, who saw his side draw 0-0 with Walsall in a friendly last night, is expecting jostling for places right up to the opening day of the new campaign.

He said: "The team that played last night was a team that could play at the start of the season, of course it was."But I should have Iyesden Christie and Stuart Whitehead fit by then, I've got Jonny Harkness waiting in the wings, Michael McGrath desperate to get onto the pitch and perform and Simon Russell to come back.

"At the moment I don't know my first team and I wouldn't mind that all season.

"Ideally I want to pick my team for the first game of the season and I want them to go out and win matches and then I won't have to change it.

"This season I'm happy with the squad I've got. The great thing about this squad is that I really don't have a preference about who plays."

Yates admitted he faces some tough selection decisions for the big kick-off, but he stressed it is a task he is relishing.

He said: "It's my job to pick a team. We've got a squad of 19 players and I really don't mind who plays.

"At times last season the team picked itself and that won't be the case this year."