Yates nears decision on trial eight

Rob Elvins, Liam Dolman, Gavin Caines, Joe Wilcox, Duane Courtney, Gavin Strachan, Kyle Hadley and Aaron Farrell all figured in Saturday's friendly against Wolves, as free agents in search of a club for next season.

Between them they have displayed enough to convince management that some can be used to pad out the Harriers squad for the season ahead.

Winger Hadley and striker Farrell represent cost-effective options, after bright displays in pre-season, in coming from lower-league clubs Stourbridge and Sutton Coldfield Town respectively.

Manager Mark Yates is also pleased with Caines' contribution in a much-needed position of centre-half, calling his Saturday display "more like what I expected of him."

The Harriers boss has sat on the fence so far when it comes to the trial brigade but - with the season less than three weeks away - has confirmed now is the time for action.

He said: "We will be wilting down the trial players this week, it's time to have a look at what we have got and make some decisions. But we have got to ensure that whatever we bring in is suitable for us.

"We will make every effort to ensure that we get it right."

The search continues for Yates to attract players from outside the club, a waiting game the manager hopes will bear fruit sooner rather than later.

He said: "We have still got players that we are trying to bring to the club that are just taking a bit of time. I have got a couple of offers in for players and I am just waiting for answers. "

Harriers next welcome League Two Hereford for a friendly tomorrow night (7:45pm), who will have Aggborough stars from last season Adam Bartlett and Keith Lowe in their ranks.

Yates added: "It should be a decent game, and it will nice to see Keith Lowe and 'Barts' back."