KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are putting extra resources into their reserve and youth team set-up -- with the help of a familiar face!

That's former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Shaun Cunnington who was released as a player by Harriers during the summer.

The 34-year-old, however, has agreed to stay at Aggborough as assistant to reserve and youth team manager Ian Britton.

Kidderminster boss Jan Molby said: "The reserves and youth are nearly as important as the first team, but it's a thankless task at the moment with them being part-time and training on a Thursday night.

"We are starting to feel that because we're a Football League club now we are getting better youth players through the system. It's something we are hoping in 12 months time that we'll have a full time youth system with apprentices.

"But for the time being it's very difficult for Ian Britton and Shaun Cunnington, but it's in good hands.

"Shaun impressed me with his reading of the game and the way he talks about it. It was an avenue he wanted to go down and we have given him the opportunity.

"I've had a look at the youth team already and it's looking good. There are some good players in there."

Britton said of Cunnington; "Shaun has a wealth of experience that he can share with your youngsters who have progressed from the youth set-up to the reserve side. He has indicated he would like to become more involved in coaching and we're glad he's decided to stay here to pursue his aim."

Meanwhile, Kidderminster's Danish winger Thomas Skovbjerg is making a good recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered last March.

While the first team were on tour in Denmark he spent a week at Lilleshall stepping up his recovery programme.

Molby said: "He's doing well and he's ahead of schedule.

"We were looking at a year out from when he did it, but I believe before March he'll be back in training. We don't want to put any dates or pressure on him, but he's doing well."

Tuesday, August 15