KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss has paved the way for the arrival of Leyton Orient left back Billy Jones after deciding to get rid of Jon Beswetherick.

Watkiss identified the left hand side of defence as a problem area upon his arrival at Aggborough a month ago and has been actively pursuing Jones.

The move was initially hampered by the 21-year-old's failure to secure a pay-off from the London club, but the situation should be resolved before Harriers host Lincoln City on Saturday.

"He broke onto the scene a couple of years ago but perhaps didn't kick on as much as everybody thought," said Watkiss.

"The fact he has been behind Matt Lockwood, who is the best left back in this division, has probably hampered his progress at Leyton Orient.

"He's six feet tall and he's got a sweet left peg so hopefully a move will benefit both parties."

Watkiss refused to publicly criticise Beswetherick, but the former Plymouth defender has been at fault for several opposition goals since arriving on non-contract terms.

The Aggborough manager has also released former Port Vale defender Liam Burns, who gave away a penalty as Harriers conceded three goals in two minutes at home to Swansea on Boxing Day.

Kidderminster have captured ex-Orient winger Dave Morrison on a non-contract basis after he left Bohemians and rejected the advances of a host of other top Irish clubs to move closer to his wife's family in Bridgnorth.

Watkiss has now set his sights on bolstering the midfield with a left-sided player heading his list of targets.