Martin Riley doubts a Harriers return

Former Kidderminster Harriers defender Martin Riley doubts whether a return to Aggborough is on the cards despite him becoming a free agent.

The 22-year-old was released by League Two side Cheltenham on Monday, a year after being reunited with former Harriers boss Mark Yates at Whaddon Road.

The former Wolves trainee joined the Robins after turning down a new contract at Aggborough and effectively paid his own compensation fee to leave the club.

That could have burned his bridges with manager Steve Burr but the player is still locally based, which appeals to Burr in his transfer targets.

Riley lives in Birmingham with former Harriers second-choice goalkeeper Jas Singh, who is now playing part-time football for Solihull Moors.

But, after making 29 starts in all competitions this season, Riley is reluctant to drop down a level again.

He said: "You never say never in football but I doubt it, as I want to stay in the Football League and I don't think I will have any problem doing that.

"You never know what will happen in the next month or two and I don't expect anything to be done anytime soon, but I have proved myself in League Two and that's there I want to stay.

"I left Kidderminster on good terms, they have had a great season and I am pleased for everyone down there."

Riley's season with Cheltenham was plagued by four different hamstring injuries, which kept him out for spells of the season.

But the central defender believes a parting of the ways with Yates - a relationship that began at Aggborough in the summer of 2008 - was also necessary.

He said: "The gaffer has explained his reasons for letting me go and I can't really argue with them, but I was quite surprised as I was expecting to stay.

"Myself and Mark have been working together for the best part of three years and we have both come to the conclusion we need a fresh challenge on both parts.

"I am not going to get down about it and I am staying positive."