MANAGER Stuart Watkiss is in the process of hastily recruiting players for the coming season - and hopes to have doubled the size of his Harriers squad by Monday.

There were just EIGHT contracted players when the club returned for training yesterday, prompting Watkiss to put his proper pre-season programme on hold until next week.

Aggborough Holdings' imminent takeover of the club has allowed Watkiss to offer definite deals to a list of targets, although finance director John Baldwin is still firming up the final playing budget.

Watkiss has met several players this week including ex-Shrewsbury winger Sam Aiston and Rochdale's released former Walsall right back Wayne Evans with both players expected to make up their minds by the weekend.

Harriers are also awaiting answers from half a dozen other targets believed to include Shrewsbury's utility man Jake Sedgemore, who like Aiston is also interesting Burton.

Meanwhile, Kidderminster's player of the season Dean Keates could be set to sign for losing League Two play-off finalists Lincoln to remain in the Football League.

Mark Rawle's future is also likely to lie away from Aggborough while Chris Beardsley is still in limbo with both Harriers and former club Mansfield wanting his services.