Albion's Kyle Howkins stops at Harriers

Kidderminster Harriers have been boosted by the extension of West Brom defender Kyle Howkins' loan deal ahead of tomorrow's trip to Braintree.

The giant defender has become a big hit at Aggborough, appearing four times so far in his loan spell from the Premier League side.

And the 19-year-old centre-half, who stands at 6ft 4in, has impressed the hierarchy at Aggborough enough to extend his loan deal until January.

Harriers boss Dave Hockaday said: "Kyle's come in and done very well. He's at the stage in his career where he needs to play regular football and he is here.

"The next step for him is to see what playing is all about. To get a few cracks on the nose and a few black eyes – as he has been. To get him out of his comfort zone.

"We're also mindful of keeping Albion happy. The parent club have to be happy and they're happier now than when I came in."

Hockaday is calling for Harriers to continue their superb support as the Aggborough club look to sustain their emerging form.

His side face a tough trip to fifth-placed Braintree tomorrow, but arrive on the back of two wins from three that has seen them climb from the bottom spot.

But it's the Aggborough faithful, according to the boss, that will play a big part in Harriers' success.

He said: "I still can't believe how the fans are here. They're absolutely incredible.

"For them to get behind us as much as they do is great and the fact that they are still here in these circumstances is testament to them.

"We will have to go a long way to paying back their loyalty. We've made the first step but it's a long climb. Fan loyalty is the only type left in the game."

Midfielder Calvin Dinsley yesterday left the club by 'mutual consent.' The former Redditch United man joined at the end of last season and has made 10 appearances for Harriers.

Hockaday's side are waiting on international clearance to bring in French striker Arthur Gnahoua, who scored three times in 20 starts for Macclesfield in 2013.