BOSS Mark Yates thinks his new squad for the upcoming Blue Square Premier season is 'stronger' as momentum builds ahead of the big kick-off on August 11.

The players return for pre-season training in mere days, the fixtures are released next Tuesday Morning and the first pre-season match at Rushall is quickly approaching.

It can only mean one thing - a brand new term is about to get underway and boss Yates told harriers.co.uk that he's thrilled with what he's been able to do in the transfer market so far.

"I'd like to think they are three high-quality signings and I think all three will bring something extra to the squad," he said.

"I think we'll be a lot stronger than we were last season. We still have a few more to bring in but we're quietly just getting on with it."

"I'd look for a squad between 18 to 20 but every one of those players would be of a high-quality, every one bringing something to the squad to make things more competitive.

"Last season there was a feeling that the side picked itself but we've got competition for places now and that's a great thing to have - people that are ready and willing to do what it takes to get into the side and we'll be stronger for that."

Yates added that no player will be able to 'rest on the laurels' of the successful spells of last season once the 2007/08 campaign gets underway.

He added: "You look at Iyseden Christie and James Constable - they were both excellent last season and in the Trophy Final and we've moved to bring in the top scorer in the Conference from two years ago.

"We don't want players resting on their laurels - players will be fighting for their places and that can only be good for Kidderminster."

The Aggborough cheif explained that once again the squad will be joined by a small group of trialists as they're all put through their paces. For him, next Wednesday can't come quick enough,

"We're seeing what's available at the moment and we'll have a number of trialists joining us in pre-season because that's what the whole time is about really, seeing what's out there.

"We're just looking forward to next Wednesday now and cracking on with it - five and a half weeks is enough for the players to have a bit of a break and we'll just be making sure we know what we're doing from the very first minute of next season."

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