Finnigan move already underway

Reports have suggested that the transfer-listed 33-year-old was headed to Harriers today - Yates actually met with the player on Friday although a deal has yet to be struck.

There are other suitors in the race for the former Robins skipper with part-time outfit Newport and Blue Square Premier rivals Wrexham also interested, although neither are as convenient a commute from Finnigan's home in Tewkesbury.

With a move for his former Cheltenham team-mate in the works, the Harriers manager turned his attentions to the club's first pre-season games at the weekend, with a game at Bromyard on Friday night followed by a trip to Bewdley on Saturday.

A 14-0 demolition of the former served as little more than a training exercise, but a 3-0 win the following day was more competitive.

Yates took the opportunity to blood his trial players for the first time, with Gavin Strachan the biggest name of the bunch.

The former Premier League midfielder - son of former Scotland international and recently departed Celtic boss Gordon - played in central midfield.

Other notable names included released Cheltenham defender Gavin Caines and former Burnley right-back Duane Courtney.

Ex-Northampton defender Liam Dolman, former Yeovil teenager Jordan Street, Damian Jarrett, Kyle Mason and Aaron Farrell were also involved.

The Harriers boss was today left pleased with the weekend's work.

He said: "It was a good work out for us - it's been hot since we've been back in and we've been doing a lot of hard work on possession and passing.

"You can only beat what's in front of you but we were quite clinical, obviously. It was a good start for us and everyone did themselves justice.

"It's good to score goals but it was about working hard and ensuring all the boys got 45 minutes - on the whole it was a very decent effort."

Harriers next play at Stourport Swifts tomorrow night (7:45pm), before the glamour friendly against Wolves at Aggborough on Saturday.

One player who will not be amongst the squad is Michael Carr, who has signed for Blue Square North club Stalybridge after his release in the summer.

He was one of eight released by Yates at the end of his contract, after just six appearances since signing from Northwich in January.