Kidderminster manager Mark Yates has warned his side of the importance of a good start to the season.

Harriers have not won on the opening day in the last two attempts, since a 2-1 win against Woking in 2005/06.

The 2008/09 campaign first pits them against promoted Lewes at Aggborough on August 9, before tricky trips to beaten play-off finalists Cambridge and relegated Mansfield, followed by a home match against reprieved Altrincham.

Yates insists that it does not matter what order their opponents come in – no game is easy in the Conference National.

He said: “It is a hugely competitive league now. There are now easy games and we know that. What we must do is make sure we are prepared.

“It is vital we get off to a good start this time. That can really set the tone for the season and that is probably where we have gone wrong in recent years.”

The end to the season could be just as vital for Harriers, with four out of their last seven games at home.

Of those seven teams, only Burton finished in a play-off spot in 2007/08. They meet at Aggborough on April 13.

That said, they welcome Stevenage and possibly former striker Iyseden Christie on April 4. with Graham Westley’s side 6/1 favourites with bookmakers Coral to be crowned champions.

Harriers, who are priced at 20/1 to win the league outright, finish up with a home game against promoted Kettering on April 25.

For Yates, who led his side to 13th last term, the first objective is to improve on last term.

He said: :”We have not set targets but we are aiming high. We have to be realistic as well.”

Harriers have done fairly well in the transfer market so far this summer. The pick of the bunch has been two loan stars from last season, defender Luke Jones and striker Darryl Knights, signing permanent deals at Aggborough.

Also present when pre-season training began this week is England C goalkeeper Adam Bartlett, who joins from Blyth Spartans.

Yates added: “Adam is going to be a great signing. The fans already know how good Luke and Darryl are.

“We also have about eight trialists training with us at the moment. Our summer recruiting is far from over.”