NO fewer than five new players will figure for Kidderminster Harriers when they launch their Nationwide League Division Three campaign against Mansfield Town at Aggborough tomorrow (3pm).

A sixth newcomer Matthew Gadsby will not be facing his former club due to lack of match fitness following a knee injury.

The 'Famous Five' are Adam Willis, Graham Ward, Kenny Coleman, Andy Bishop and John Williams.

Twenty-six year-old former Swindon campaigner Willis has impressed in the middle of the back three in pre-season games while 20-year-old Coleman, released by Wolves after being on loan at Aggborough last season, has shone at right wing back.

Striker Bishop has returned on loan from Walsall for a month while former Coventry, Wycombe and York front-runner Williams has recovered from an ankle injury sustained in a 'warm-up' game against Leicester City.

Twenty-year-old Ward, a former Wolves player, is also anxious to impress in midfield.

Harriers boss Ian Britton, whose side finished 11th last season, said: "The main thing is we don't lose. That will breed confidence. It's good to have the first fixture at home again but it will be difficult as Mansfield were relegated from Division Two and will be looking to bounce back quickly."

Kidderminster chairman Colin Youngjohns said: "It's our fourth season now in the Football League and it's never going to be easy for us. The ground and the club infrastructure is improving all the time though.

"The playing budget has been massaged slightly. We have a good squad of players and we're very encouraged by the leads we've signed. I'm optimistic is will work out well for us this season."

Keith Curle's Stags side, who have ex-Harriers players Colin Larkin and Neil MacKenzie in their ranks, have made three defensive signings during the summer -- Tony Vaughan (Motherwell), Dave Artell (Rotherham) and Luke Dimech (Shamrock Rovers). Vaughan is a major doubt because of an ankle injury.

FORMCAST: Harriers to open the season with a 1-1 draw.