Assistant Manager Neil Howarth admits he's 'delighted' to have secured the services of Brian Smikle and David McDermott for the forthcoming season.

McDermott penned a new one-year deal at the club yesterday whilst Smikle did the same this afternoon - and Howarth is glad the duo have chosen to remain at Aggborough.

Speaking to harriers.co.uk, he praised their tremendous abilities and fully expects them to demand more time on the pitch once the new campaign gets underway.

"They're talented players, both at a great age," he commented. "They've both been released from bigger clubs in the past and they've remained hungry and want to prove a point that they belong in the Football League, we're pleased to have them here.

"They haven't played as much football as they would have liked but they always give 100% - they get up and down and, for their size, they can get up and head it when they have to.

"Neither of them are the biggest but they have tremendous physical attributes, they're fit lads and always work hard and put their tackles in.

"They've shown a desire to stay here and they'll want to make more starts next season."

Howarth and boss Mark Yates put on a double session for the players today as pre-season training continues to build.

He added: "It's been good - we had one session yesterday and a bit of a meeting with the lads and today we've had a couple of sessions.

"We'll have two more tomorrow and perhaps give them the weekend off with a view to hitting the ground running on Monday and really get stuck in.

"As expected, they've come back in good shape and their attitudes are first class."

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