GARY Whild admits there is a positive vibe buzzing around his new look squad.

The players returned to training this week in preparation for the Vanarama National League 2015-16 season.

That meant the likes of up and coming hopefuls such as Gurjit Singh, Jordan Jones and Calvin Dinsley rubbed shoulders with experienced professionals and new faces Joe Clarke, Kelvin Langmead and Lathaniel Rowe-Turner.

It was the first time since the end of the 2014-15 campaign the management and squad have got together but Whild admitted the difference in the feeling around the club could not be more different.

A combination of money troubles, a poor run of results and fan anger at the general direction of the club had lead to a poisonous at Harriers.

But with chairman Rod Brown restructuring the club's commercial structure and Whild working hard to bring in young and hungry players, there is a marked improvement.

Players had their fitness assessed on Monday and Tuesday, before the hard running training began on Wednesday.

He said: "Obviously we've got a few new players but the lads were all really excited to be back and there was a very positive attitude around the place.

"It's great to be back and working with the players after two months of the close season.

"The players from last season have came back and stuck to their programmes, which is good to see.

"The first day of training was the hottest day of the year, so instead of two heavy training sessions we adjusted it slightly, you've got to be sensible."

Whild said he wasn't looking for an immediate replacement for winger Ahmed Obeng, who joined Hednesford this week after Harriers agreed to cancel his contract, although he didn't rule out bringing in a player if the right one became available.

The club are hoping to announce a replacement for physio Gavin Crowe, who joined Bristol Rovers, next week.