HARRIERS boss John Eustace says he's hopeful his young players will commit to the club in the coming weeks.

Kidderminster chairman Colin Gordon confirmed this week that contract negotiations with players, as well as the management team, are now well underway at Aggborough and he's hopeful of securing deals by the end of the month.

Eustace has worked with Harriers' young guns to great success this season and wants that to continue as they head into the final months of the campaign.

He said: "We really do want to get the players to commit and hopefully they can all do that soon.

"It's important to keep your squad together and that is what we are trying to do.

"We've said all along that they will be learning and improving with every game they play and we want to continue to grow together."

The boss wouldn't be drawn on his own contract negotiation but underlined how important it has been that the group has been so willing to learn since his arrival.

Harriers' promotion hopes suffered a set-back last Saturday as they lost 2-1 at rivals Chorley.

However, Eustace is keen not to dwell on the defeat, saying: "I was pleased with the performance and I think the players did well at a very tough place.

"There is nothing to be down about except the fact we didn't come away with the win. We did have the chances to win it but we just weren't quite good enough in both boxes."

Despite the defeat, the game did see striker Andre Brown reach double figures for the season.

The former Crewe prodigy, 20, registered for the tenth time this term after making just a dozen starts.

"He has been fantastic for us," added the boss. "He had to be patient earlier in the season but has taken his chance with both hands. Everyone is delighted for him."

Reds will look to get back to winning ways when they host play-off chasing Stockport County at Aggborough this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Even though a win would go a long way to handing Harriers a cushion to sixth place, Eustace won't be treating it like any other game.

He added: "All games in this league are difficult and you have to prepare correctly and be ready for them. This game is no different to any other."