POPULAR defender Adie Smith expects Harriers to come back stronger next season after a tough lesson on life in the Football League.

Smith, who has returned to centre-back after a rich goal-scoring spell in midfield was curtailed by injury, has insisted he will continue to learn and improve.

The 27-year-old former Birmingham City trainee admitted: "I thought getting up in the morning and playing a bit of football, I would be as happy as Larry.

"But it's a lot harder than I expected. I didn't expect to be as tired as I am. But it has still been enjoyable.

"I think we know what to expect a bit more now. I have learned a great deal this season and know how you need to play in Division Three.

"At times, we have been a bit in awe of some of the other clubs and given them too much respect."

Harriers slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Macclesfield on Saturday and Smith summed up the day as "poor".

He continued: "We came into the game feeling confident and felt we were going to get three points.

"But as soon as we kicked off, they put us on the back foot.

"Apparently, it was the smallest man on the pitch who headed their goal. Some people made a few mistakes and that's just the way our season's been going.

"We had one chance in the first half but haven't really created much throughout. We had a poor game."

Smith has now played two games as a left-sided central-defender alongside Mark Shail with Craig Hinton moving to midfield and then left-back at the weekend.

And he has reminded boss Jan Molby and fans of his abilities at centre-half which were so apparent in the Conference-winning campaign.

Smith added: "I have got to be happy with my performance. But I am always improving since the Conference days."

Molby has admitted Smith is one player he sees as having the potential to improve - so his Football League voyage appears to be on course.