TOM Bennett insists it is a matter of professional pride to keep Kidderminster up - because relegation would blight his soccer CV.

During his 17-year career with Wolves, Walsall, Stockport and Boston, the Scottish midfielder has managed to avoid the drop.

"I've never been relegated so it's a pride thing," said Bennett, who took a pay-cut to join Harriers in December because he was desperate for first team football.

"I had two seasons at Boston where we were struggling and were down at the bottom for most of the time but we got out of it.

"I know what it takes to stay up. We need a run of wins because if we don't get them, we're down.

"I don't think any player or manager wants relegation on their CV at any stage of their career and after having a decent time in the game I certainly don't want to finish my career being relegated.

"But things happen in football where you're always having to rely on other people and as long as you feel you're not letting yourself down, that's all you can do."

The 35-year-old agrees with the Aggborough faithful that he has resorted to kick and rush tactics too often lately, but he says it is a case of "needs must".

Bennett said: "The gaffer seems to be pleased with the way I'm playing and you're always pleased personally if you're playing regularly.

"I'd like to be on the ball a little bit more but I think the way we're playing at the moment dictates that we need to get results rather than play pretty football.

"I think myself and Dean Keates are closing people down and getting to the second balls which is what the gaffer wants.

"There's not a lot of football being played but he wants the ball going forward quickly into the channels so it's a bit more solid rather than looking good.

"I want to get the ball down and play but I've never been a player who plays for myself. It's important that we stay in the league and if we have to play a certain way to do that then so be it."

Bennett suggests press criticism of Kidderminster's plight is inevitable, but he echoed manager Stuart Watkiss's calls for everybody to stick together.

"I don't take much notice of the press because I don't live in the area so I don't tend to pick up what the general feeling is," he said.

"It would be nice if everybody that that you were great and you were top of the league and everything in the garden was rosy but that isn't the case at the moment.

"But I can see where the gaffer's coming from. He's looking for everybody to get behind Kidderminster because the media reflects onto the fans and the fans reflect onto the pitch and we do notice what's going on around us."