KIDDERMINSTER Harriers’ plans for the new campaign have gathered pace after swooping for three new players.

However, while the Aggborough outfit have been boosted by their trio of new faces, skipper Keith Briggs has joined Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Fleetwood Town for an initial £5,000.

With his skipper leaving for Highbury, manager Steve Burr has captured former Hereford United frontman Steve Guinan and ex-Everton midfielder Scott Phelan on one-year deals.

Eighteen-year-old Jack Cresswell, another midfielder who began his career at Manchester United, has joined on a non-contract basis.

Burr said: “Keith has been my captain for three years now and he is a tremendous lad so I shall miss him.

“We had a chat at the end of the season. His feelings were that he didn’t want to let me or the club down by not being able to prepare or perform at the maximum he’d like to with the amount of travelling involved for him.

“He wanted to be closer to home and Fleetwood have come in with a package that is good for us and I have to state that everything has been done right where that’s concerned.”

The Harriers chief said he was delighted to have captured the experienced Guinan and two former Premier League trainees.

Meanwhile, Mark Albrighton has joined Blue Square Bet North side Nuneaton Town.