Quick Redditch return for Gary Whild

It will be a quick return for assistant boss Gary Whild when he goes back with Kidderminster Harriers to his old club Redditch.

Whild was manager at the Valley Stadium for four years before leaving to become Steve Burr's No 2 at Aggborough this summer, having steered the Reds to safety in the Blue Square North last season.

And the former boss is hoping for a good reception upon his return to the club tonight (7:45pm), pleading for understanding from the home fans about why he made the move.

Harriers offered him the chance to make football his profession with a full-time job, having previously made his living working as a general manager at Aston Villa Leisure Centre for six years.

He said: "I had a great time at Redditch, so I am looking forward to going back and seeing some old faces. I would hope I get a good reception, after the time I spent at the club.

"The people there wished me all the best when I left, they understand that things move on and it would be great if they could survive as well."

Harriers are sending a fringe squad to the Valley Stadium tonight, with second-choice goalkeeper Adam Stevens the only contracted player expected to start.

Whild and boss Burr are using the game to run the rule over another batch of trialists with the likes of former Coventry defender Curtis Wynter, ex-Wrexham loanee Nathan Woolfe and one-time Bristol City starlet Pat Sayce set to appear.

Last season's Young Player of the Year Joe Hull and striker Robert Thompson-Brown, along with another Aggborough prospect in winger Ruben Bover-Izquievdo, will also play some part.

Whild said: "It's a chance for us to have a look at a few lads again, to be honest, the ones that we need to be fair to in coming to a decision on their futures.

"I think it will be very much a Kidderminster Harriers XI tonight."