Manager's challenge to Matthew Blair

Manager Steve Burr has told Matthew Blair he is playing for his future after giving the winger the opportunity to start the season with Kidderminster Harriers.

The 21-year-old signed non-contract forms yesterday as a free agent after leaving AFC Telford this summer, which offers him a chance in the full-time game but the club can also pull the plug if he fails to make an impact.

Blair will be in the squad to go to York for the first game of the Blue Square Premier season, hoping to seize any chance to impress from what will probably be the bench.

But Harriers have placed their trust in an ethos of bringing 'young and hungry' players in who see the club as an opportunity rather than a fall-back, with Blair the eighth player to be given a chance at Aggborough from the lower leagues.

Burr has further moved to add to the wide man's confidence by outlining his belief that his latest signing can make the grade in non-league's top tier.

The manager said: "Matty deserves this opportunity and again he is a young lad we are looking forward to working with.

"It is a step up from where he has been but he has worked hard to get himself something and he has the opportunity to kick on from here.

"We want him to keep pushing and we're sure that, working with him, we'll have a real player.

"There are one or two rough edges with him but he has a lot of pace, he is a strong lad and he is hungry to do well."