A tough-tackling and determined veteran defender, Shail signed a two-year deal at Aggborough in July 2000 after an injury-plagued few years at Bristol City.

Earlier in his career at Bristol, he had been touted with a big-money move to Liverpool while playing in the First Division before his fitness problems.

He returned to his previous home of Worcestershire, having once played for Worcester City and then Yeovil Town before a £45,000 fee took him into the full-time game nine years ago.

Shail, an ex-England semi-professional international, has fallen down the pecking order this season and may only get a chance if Harriers suffer bad injuries.

League appearances/goals: Bristol City (92/93) 4, (93/94) 36/2, (94/95) 38/2, (95/96) 12, (96/97) 11, (97/98) 2, (98/99) 24, (99/2000) 1, Harriers (00/01) 36-1.

This season: 5 games.

Status: Reserve defender.