Harriers full-backs land new contracts

Kidderminster Harriers today handed full-backs Lee Vaughan and Mickey Demetriou new contracts that will keep them at Aggborough until the summer of 2014.

The defensive duo have committed themselves for a further two years with fresh terms that replace their existing deals, which expire in the summer.

Right-back Vaughan is already into his second season with the club after making the move into full-time football from AFC Telford in 2010.

Utility man Demetriou, who can operate in either full-back position, joined Harriers on a one-year contract last summer after leaving Eastbourne.

The 21-year-old, who turns 22 next month, has seen his breakthrough to the side marked with a first England C call-up last week.

And Harriers manager Steve Burr has hailed both as among non-league football's best after securing the future of two more fixtures in the team.

He said: "I know Lee has enjoyed his time here and likes the way we work.

"He has matured and developed since he has been here and, in my opinion, is now one of the best right-backs outside of the Football League.

"We knew when we signed Mickey and, even when we saw him playing for Eastbourne last year, that the potential was there.

"The one thing about both of these boys is that they are young and hungry – we want to keep on building and improving on what we have here.

"They are happy here and I have to thank the chairman and all of the board for what they have done in allowing us to keep these lads.

"It's nice for our supporters to know that we have two lads here who are going to be here for another good couple of years."

Vaughan, after four games out with a hamstring strain, and Demetriou will play in tonight's re-arranged FA Trophy third round tie at home to Luton.

Harriers were today clearing snow away from the covers protecting the playing surface, after Saturday's original game was frozen off.

The club are optimistic the game will go ahead and the winners will land a home time, against either Alfreton or Gateshead, in the quarter-finals.

But Harriers must do without cup-tied quartet Lee Hendrie, Marvin Johnson, Anthony Malbon and goalkeeper Tony Breeden for both games.

Injured duo Jack Byrne and Callum Gittings, both nursing knee problems, could miss the Luton clash.

Tonight's originally scheduled match, the Blue Square Premier visit of AFC Telford, has been rescheduled to Tuesday March 13.