WAYNE Thomas has been hailed as a natural leader by head of coaching Matt Gardiner after the vastly-experienced centre back signed for Kidderminster Harriers.

The Aggborough outfit squad building stepped up a gear as three new faces put pen to paper.

Former Southampton and Stoke defender Thomas, who had previously played with Reds boss John Eustace at the Potters and made over 550 senior appearances, is the most high profile addition.

But gifted young players Sam Austin and Andre Brown also committed to Kidderminster.

Ex-Burton winger Austin, who has had a loan spell at Leamington, has been chased by a host of clubs but opted for Harriers.

Brown is a product of the Crewe Alexander youth team system and made an explosive debut in his loan at Rushall Olympic, scoring five goals against Stafford Town in the Walsall Senior Cup.

The young forward also had a brief spell at Worcester City and scored against Boston.

Thomas spent some time at City last season but also coached in New York.

James McQuilkin and Jared Hodgkiss are also set to commit to new deals but Gardiner warned he and Eustace won’t be made to wait by players still mulling over offers.

He said: “Wayne is a natural leader, it doesn’t matter what the score is he won’t panic and change his game.

“He’s a great organiser and brings the best out in those around him and it’s no surprise many of them have gone on to better things.

"Sam is a gifted young lad who I have kept an eye on for a while, a lot of clubs were interested but he was attracted because we’re a professional club.

“Players in the top of non-league are making good money at clubs and also working but our full-time status will attract some really good young players.”

He added: “James McQuilkin is back from holiday this week and he and Jared Hodgkiss have both said they will sign.

“But John and I won’t be waiting for players forever, we only want players who want to be at the club.”

Meanwhile, Harriers chairman Colin Gordon is investigating comments from Zaine Francis-Angol in the media when he suggested he was looking for a move to clubs in either England or Scotland.

The versatile left-sided signed an 18-month deal in January but had previously had a trial with Bundesliga outfit Hamburg.

He told The Herald newspaper: “I went on trial at Hamburg around Christmas time.

“They had been looking at me for a while. They asked if I could come over for a trial match and Kidderminster said it was fine.

“It was a decent game for their under-23s and I did well but nothing came of it. I gave it my best shot but any interest from abroad is probably finished now.

“I came in over to Scotland at the weekend and it’s been decent.

“The training has been good and it’s good to keep yourself ticking over ahead of the trial game.

“There is a chance of getting an opportunity at a club, whether it’s in Scotland or England.

“I have a few trials lined up just now but you have to take every opportunity that comes your way.

“I was at Kidderminster Harriers last season in the Conference.

“It was a short-term deal that I then extended. It wasn’t the greatest season.

“We got relegated at the end of it but it was good to get back playing.”

Harriers have organised a home pre-season friendly against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, January 23.