Director of football Jan Molby caused a stir by recruiting former captain Yates to help in Harriers' battle against relegation in February 2004.

The midfield anchorman, whose versatility also makes him useful as a defender or attacker, spent four seasons at Aggborough before leaving in January 1999 for Cheltenham who paid £25,000 for his services.

Yates joined the promotion charge at the Gloucestershire club, helping them up to Division Three from the Conference for the 1999-2000 season and proving an integral part of their midfield.

The captain, known for his non-stop committed displays and an eye for goal, was inspirational in eventually leading the Robins up to Division Two via the play-offs but they were immediately relegated in 2003.

Still based in Wyre Forest, he fell out of favour under new boss John Ward after a difficult start to the season for Cheltenham and was placed on the transfer list with his contract up at the end of the season.

Molby accepted Yates' request to train with Harriers and then handed him a deal until the end of the season after his Whaddon Road contract was terminated.

He has racked up immense experience over the years, playing in the Football League with Birmingham, Burnley and Doncaster before dropping down to non-league in 1994.

Yates then played more than 200 games with Harriers under Graham Allner and always gave 100 per cent, though not always proving popular with all supporters.

Probably his highlight will have been a terrific 1996/97 campaign when Harriers finished second in the Conference with the help of his eight goals, though there was disappointment at being pipped to the title by Macclesfield.

League appearances/goals: Birmingham (87/88) 3, (88/89) 20/3, (89/90) 20/2, (90/91) 9/1, (91/92) 2, Burnley 17/1, (92/93) 1, Lincoln (loan) 14, Doncaster (93/94) 34/4, Cheltenham (99/00) 46/2, (00/01) 45/6, (01/02) 45/7, (02/03) 37/2.

This season: 13 games, 2 goals, 4 yellow cards (Cheltenham 23 games, 1 substitute appearance, 3 goals, 6 yellow cards).

Status: First-choice midfield. Out of contract in the summer.

Average Shuttle rating: 6.9 (3 star man awards)