MANAGER Ian Britton believes Kidderminster Harriers have good reason to be optimistic about the future despite suffering a series of setbacks in their bid to reach the Division Three play-offs.

They have failed to win in their last five outings and are now four points away from the play-off zone in 11th place.

Britton, however, believes that his small squad of players have nothing to feel guilty about if they finish the season in mid-table after ending up in tenth spot last term.

He said: "Considering the financial changes and wheeling and dealing that has been carried out, I do not think that is anything to be ashamed of. And with the progress the young players are making, there is optimism for the future."

Kidderminster have six matches left to play this season and three of them will be against sides who are currently in play-off positions -- Oxford United, Wrexham and York City.

Gloucester City hot-shot Jimmy Cox, meanwhile, is being pencilled in as a possible summer signing for Harriers.

Britton obtained permission to speak to the 23-year-old before the recent transfer deadline, but the free-scoring striker said he wanted to stay with the Dr Martens League Western Division outfit until the end of the current campaign.

The Aggborough chief said: "He is a player who has impressed me when I've watched him and he is one that we will keep in mind for the summer."

Cox, who played eight first team games for Luton Town in the 1998-9 season, has notched 19 goals in 38 appearances for Gloucester including his side's winner in last Saturday's 1-0 win at Evesham.

Meanwhile, Kidderminster's last two home matches of the season against Wrexham on Saturday, April 19, and Bristol Rovers on Saturday, May 3, have been made all-ticket for visiting fans only.