PREMIERSHIP winner Jeff Kenna insists Mark Yates's powers of persuasion were his main reason for joining Harriers' promotion push.

The versatile defender made a pleasing debut in Tuesday's home friendly with Championship club Coventry - despite the 5-1 scoreline.

"To be honest I did hesitate at first but Mark has proved to be very persuasive," said the 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international.

"He kept phoning me and phoning me so I came down to have a look, meet the rest of the lads and train.

"My first impressions are that it's a good set up. The pitch is very nice, the stadium's great and the lads are well looked after."

Kenna started his career with Southampton before joining Blackburn, where he picked up a Premiership winners medal in 1992.

He also won promotion to the top flight with Birmingham City in 2002 before a spell at Derby County.

"I had a couple of offers but - and this is between me and Mark - we worked out an arrangement which is very convenient for both of us."

Kenna, who has signed on a one-year deal, continued: "Every player wants to play at the highest level possible, but Mark has big ambitions for the club.

"He sold it to me about us working together and making the play-offs at least.

"The players here have the ability to achieve something."

Kenna is set to play 90 minutes in the final friendly at Worcester City on Saturday.

He added: "Fitness wise I'm in decent shape. I've been training at Birmingham and John Ward was kind enough to let me train with Cheltenham.

"In my career I've played predominantly as a full back so that's my favourite position. I prefer the right side but it's not a major issue."

Manager Yates has tipped Kenna to have a major impact in the Aggborough dressing room.

"Jeff Kenna was outstanding," said Yates after Kenna's debut in the friendly defeat to Coventry.

"I want to use him as an example to the rest of the players. You can see why he's won a Premiership medal and played for Ireland 27 times - he did the right things at the right times."