2/7/01 BUSY Kidderminster Harriers boss Jan Molby has completed two more signings in preparation for a second season in Division Three.

The Dane reunites with defender Steve Jones, an old boy from his managerial days at Swansea City, on a two-year contract.

Jones, who was plucked from non-league football at Cheltenham Town in 1995, was a firm favourite at Vetch Field before being released in the summer.

Molby has also confirmed a new one-year deal with midfield man Neil MacKenzie who was given another chance by Harriers last season after being axed by Cambridge United.

The club are still chasing other targets, including a left-sided player and goalkeeper, before pre-season training starts next Monday.

Powerful Welsh U-21 midfielder Danny Williams has already checked in at Aggborough on a free transfer move from Wrexham.

Molby has told fans that Jones could well be one of the terrace heroes with his committed attitude and fearless play.

Though injuries interfered with the 30-year-old's 2000/2001 campaign, the capable right-back is fit to take up a likely centre-half role.

Molby said Jones, who has played around 150 league games, had tremendous aerial ability despite his 5ft 10ins frame.

His assistant Gary Barnett backed that up and will be looking for Harriers' defence to defend set-pieces far better this season.

Barnett said: "Steve's timing in the air is very good and he's still got a bit of pace about him. He's going to be an asset.

"When defending set-plays, everybody has to do a job and the lads are the first to agree that some of them lost concentration. You cannot afford that.

"Hopefully, Steve will get us a little more organised and determined in those areas."

But there is a critical reason why Bristol-born Jones will prove to be a good signing, according to Barnett.

The Harriers number two explained: "He has really got that hunger and desire to be a professional footballer and do well.

"He was offered a new contract down at Swansea during the season but it didn't turn out. He's had a knock and you can tell the hunger is there.

"As well as being very good in the dressing room, he's very committed, brave and reads defensive situations very well."

The boost from former Stoke City man MacKenzie, 25, will ensure Harriers' midfield has a creative element.

Barnett said: "He gives us exciting options in midfield because he is a forward-going player.

"We have seen the standards he can achieve and we must make him produce that more regularly."

Harriers are now waiting on named targets Sam Shilton and Mark Blake.

Shilton, son of England legend Peter, has had talks with Harriers and left impressed with the set-up.

But the left winger is attracting other interest, including that of Second Division Northampton Town, and Harriers hope for a conclusion this week.

There is also competition for former England U-21 international Blake, the ex-Aston Villa, Leicester City and Walsall midfielder.

Blake has talked to Harriers but is also wanted by clubs at a higher level after making a good impression at Mansfield Town over the past two seasons.