John Finnigan happy with Harriers job

Kidderminster Harriers player/coach John Finnigan insists he is happy with his new role and has targeted a leading role on the field for the team next season.

The 34-year-old will take up his new post when the players return for pre-season training on July 5, after Gary Whild was brought in to replace him as assistant boss this summer.

Finnigan had even been caretaker manager in the New Year after Mark Yates left for Cheltenham, but was overlooked for the job when Steve Burr was appointed in January.

But the midfielder bears no grudges and is looking to do his talking on the field next season, after a niggling calf injury restricted him to just 16 appearances in his first year at Aggborough.

The former Cheltenham and Lincoln captain insists that nightmare is over and is looking to break through the 30-game mark next term.

He said: "I am quite happy about it, it's all experience for me. First and foremost I want to be a player, so with this I have got another year to learn from Steve and Gary Whild, two experienced managers in their own right, so I am looking forward to it.

"I am confident that, if I can stay injury free, I can go on for a few more years yet. I am in the lap of the gods really, it's all going to come down to whether I can stay fit, but certainly my fitness levels are good.

"I am hoping to get 30-plus games under my belt this season, that would be a good return for someone of my age."