IN-form Harriers are set to finish the Blue Square Premier season on a real high after their recent form, but boss Mark Yates has warned that he won't be held ransom by any demands from his out-of-contract stars.

Harriers have been the form team in the division over the last two months, playing freely and scoring goals aplenty thanks to thumping wins over the likes of Halifax, Stafford and Burton Albion.

Many of the current squad find themselves out of contract following this weekend's season finale at Woking, and Manager Yates is already planning for 2008-09.

Speaking today, he admitted that whilst he would be doing all he could to retain his top performers; he called on the players to keep their recent run in perspective.

"It's been bandied about that we haven't got the biggest budget in the world [for next season] but we as a squad and a group haven't achieved what we set out to achieve," commented Yates, who currently has five players on board for next term.

"The players have to be realistic in what they come in and ask me for - we're going to finish between eighth and eleventh in the table and that's not good enough, from me and not good enough from the players in a certain respect.

"It's a tough division but we will keep trying to improve - the players who have been here this year have come on well and will be even better next year but they have to be realistic in their demands otherwise we're going to find it difficult."

The Harriers' Chief admitted that early talks had taken place with some members of the out-of-contract batch, but as yet nothing has been nailed down.

He re-iterated his desire to do all he could to keep on board those he sees as part of his set-up for next season, and hoped that the last couple of months could prove a boost for August 2008.

"We haven't really got down to the fine details yet, we've just had preliminary talks with one or two," he went on to say.

"If any leave it won't be through a lack of trying or a lack of endeavour on our part, it will just be that we can't afford their demands.

"I'm not saying anyone is in that bracket but I'll be doing all I can.

"The last few months must have given the fans, the board and the directors renewed hope for next year and hopefully they can see that the nucleus of this squad with a few additions could be right up there."