Kidderminster manager Mark Yates welcomes his players to pre-season training by promising to swell the numbers further before the week is out.

A mixture of youth-team and first-team players made up the first session at Brown Westhead Park in Wolverley, described by the Harriers boss as “breaking the boys in.”

Contracted players Russell Penn, Lee Baker, Darryl Knights, Matthew Barnes-Homer and goalkeeper Dean Coleman were among them as expected.

Out-of-contract stars David McDermott, Dean Bennett and Brian Smikle also joined training – all three are expected to sign deals shortly.

There will also the chance for the youngsters at the club to gain some valuable experience with the seniors.

Youth team player of the year Nick Ingram, Nathan Hayward, Miles Jones and Zak Costello were all invited along to continue their education.

Yates, assistant Neil Howarth and new physio Gavin Crowe oversaw the session – Crowe replacing Pete Dugmore who has left for a similar role with the RAF.

But it is off the field where the manager intends to get busy in the next few days.

He said: “We’re sorted with three or four others at the moment.

“Possibly even more, with some of the lads from last season who we’ve offered contracts to, as well as a couple of others from outside the football club who we’re trying to tie something up with by the end of the week.

“But you know what I’m like. That’s a clear case of not dotting I’s and crossing T’s, just waiting until everything is done.”