JAN Molby has declared there is far more to come from creative influence Ritchie Appleby who was finalising his permanent move to Kidderminster Harriers today.
The 26-year-old midfielder has settled his Swansea City contract to join Harriers until the end of the season.
Appleby, a former England youth international who Molby signed while at Swansea, has impressed in a one-month loan spell.
The Harriers manager said: "There is no doubt in my mind that Ritchie will do enough to earn a longer deal.
"He was down on match fitness and was suffering a bit with hamstring problems but we have got to the bottom of that.
"He needs more games before he's 100 per cent and I look forward to him improving even more."
Rampant Harriers have won four Division Three matches in a row but have gone three weeks without a league game.
However, they are just three points away from the play-offs with a game in hand as they head to Exeter on Saturday.
Molby admitted the recent lack of action will take its toll but insisted: "Hopefully, we will have enough determination and focus to overcome that.
"But I would be lying if I said I didn't think it would affect us. The first 20 to 25 minutes will be important.
"However, I think it's a question of how many chances we get and if we can take them because we will create chances."
Exeter have improved to 14th position after a terrible start saw John Cornforth take over from Noel Blake as manager.
They were held to a 0-0 home draw by Conference side Dagenham and Redbridge in the FA Cup on Saturday but are unbeaten in five games without conceding a goal in that time.
Ironically, Molby sold Cornforth from Swansea to Birmingham in 1996.
He insisted: "There is no animosity between us and we agreed it was for the best but I'm sure he will be looking to put one over me.
"He was playing in a central midfield role that I saw myself occupying but it was also a good opportunity for John to play at a higher level."
Molby is still waiting to hear from Wolverhampton Wanderers on whether he can keep striker Colin Larkin on loan until the end of the season.
He will be without the suspended Tony Bird on Saturday.
The Harriers boss added: "People shouldn't forget about Andy Ducros either. He has only been kept out by the form of those playing."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article