PATIENCE -- that's going to be the key word for Kidderminster Harriers this season.

Life in the Nationwide League Division Three will not be easy -- and it's going to take time to settle.

Understandably, interest in Harriers is currently running at fever pitch and expectations are sky high.

But, the simple fact is, it takes time to adapt to being a full-time Football League club -- and Kidderminster can expect their highs and lows.

Manager Jan Molby, of course, doesn't need telling that. Someone with his vast experience, gained at the highest level, has seen it all before.

He knows full well that the thrill of winning the Nationwide Conference last season is now history -- and the hard work is about to begin.

A crop of exciting new signings has boosted hopes that Kidderminster will more than hold their own at the higher level.

Hopefully, the side will soon gel and all the graft that's been put in over the years both on and off the field will be richly rewarded with bumper gates and money-spinning cup runs.

Certainly, what's happening at Aggborough at the moment is something countless yesteryear players and officials were only able to dream about.

People like the late Ray Mercer, whose secretarial expertise was second to none, Peter Wassall, who scored nearly 500 goals between 1963 and 1974, and record-breaking hot-shot Kim Casey just scratch the surface of characters who have been part of making Kidderminster the flourishing club they are today.

Former chairman David Reynolds and manager Graham Allner played a massive role in Harriers' development over the more recent years.

And it's these kind of people -- plus many, many more -- who should be remembered when Molby's men kick-off life in the Football League against Torquay United at Aggborough on Saturday.

But, realistically, what can a town club like Kidderminster achieve during the coming season and beyond?

Certainly, this term there seems little reason why Harriers can't firmly establish themselves as a thriving Division Three outfit.

Cheltenham Town, who experienced Football League status for the first time last season, are a fine example of what can be achieved.

They narrowly missed out on a place in the play-offs, finishing in eighth spot -- and that's exactly where I fancy ambitious Harriers to end up this coming campaign.

And, if they do, then surely officials, players and fans can feel satisfied that Worcestershire's first ever Football League club is safely on the road to becoming a long standing and successful member of the full-time ranks.

But Rome wasn't built in a day -- and it's all going to take patience, determination, hard work and another large slice of the Molby magic!

Keep in touch with Chris Oldnall's Side Lines every Tuesday in the Evening News

Tuesday, August 8. 2000.