New boss hungry for 'challenge' at Kidderminster Harriers

New boss Paul Wotton wants Kidderminster Harriers to “upset a few people” on their return to the National League Premier.

Wotton was appointed manager at Aggborough this week, replacing Adam Murray who left for Barrow earlier this month after leading the club to promotion through the National League North play-offs.

Despite conceding Harriers are playing “catch-up” on their rivals, Wotton revealed preparations for next season are already advancing with the club expected to publish its released and retained list on Monday.

And while not blind to the challenge presented by the step up to non-league’s top tier, the former Truro and Torquay boss is confident they can cause a surprise at the higher level.

“We have to look up. It is going to be a challenge, we know that,” he said.

“But the ground here, the club, the togetherness, that little bit of underdog, is a good thing.

“We will go and try to upset a few people.”

He continued: “You just have to do the best you possibly can. It is a really boring answer but you just have to go into every game looking to win and we will.”

Wotton has been out of work since being sacked by Torquay in March after a poor run of results which saw them fall off the summit of National League South.

The 48-year-old former Plymouth and Southampton midfielder previously spent four years at Truro, where he won promotion from the Southern League.

All eyes are now on recruitment as Harriers, who suffered an immediate relegation following their most recent promotion in 2023, aim to survive this time around.

“National League experience is really, really important,” said Wotton, when discussing the club’s targets. “It is a big step up from the league below.

“We are going to need that experience - Football League experience as well. We are also going to need some young legs as well, a nice blend of all of it.”

Stourbridge have confirmed midfielder Nathan Hayward and striker Toumani Sidibe have agreed deals for next season.

Ben Cassidy and Todd Parker have agreed to stay with Halesowen Town, though captain Josh Smile has left the Grove after making 92 appearances in two seasons with the club.