YATES HAS QUALITY IN SQUAD, SAYS ALBION LEGEND TAYLOR AFTER DRAW

BOSS Mark Yates is delighted by the 'ring of confidence' which is circling Aggborough following Kidderminster Harriers' encouraging build-up to the new Nationwide Conference campaign.

Following a 5-1 triumph at Gloucester City last Thursday, Harriers continued their rigorous preparations on Saturday with a heartening 0-0 home draw against a youthful West Bromwich Albion side.

The performances have pleased Yates and his assistant Neil Howarth who are now planning to intensify the squad's pre-season 'warm-up'.

Tonight they visit Cinderford (7.45pm) and on Sunday travel to Bromsgrove Rovers (1pm) before visiting Stourport Swifts on Wednesday (7.45pm).

The hectic schedule will continue with matches at Halesowen Town (Saturday, July 29, 3pm) and Worcester City (Saturday, August 5, 3pm) before the eagerly-awaited Conference season kicks off with a home clash against St Albans City.

The planned home friendly with Wolves on Monday, July 31, has been cancelled.

Boss Glenn Hoddle quit recently and, with a shortage of players, the Championship outfit asked for the fixture to be called off, particularly as they are due to play Aston Villa on July 29.

But Harriers have moved swiftly to organise an attractive replacement and will now welcome Coventry City to Aggborough on Tuesday, August 1 (7.45pm) when the Sky Blues have pledged to bring a first team squad.

After a hard-working display against the Baggies, Yates is happy with his squad's overall efforts so far.

He said: "The players got more game-time under their belts against the Albion and they can be pleased with what they did. First half, in particular, I thought we were more than a match for them. I think we had the better chances and we played some decent stuff, but it's all about fitness.

"When we made a few changes obviously it was a bit more disjointed, but to be fair to the lads they stuck at it. They worked hard."

Former Baggies goalscoring legend Bob Taylor, who made a brief substitute appearance for Harriers on Saturday, believes Yates is on the right road to fashioning a successful side.

The 39 year-old said: "If you look on paper you'd have said Albion would win the game by a few goals. But Kidderminster had chances, played some nice football and were direct as well. That directness nearly got them some goals.

"But pre-season is always about ironing out all the mistakes and games like the one against Albion are not about the result. It's about the lads getting fit and I definitely think there is quality in the Kidderminster squad."