KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have beaten their Conference rivals to the signature of striker Justin Richards.

The hitman, 26, put pen to paper on a two-year deal on Wednesday to become manager Mark Yates's first new face since he and assistant Neil Howarth signed new contracts earlier yesterday (Thursday).

The striker, who scored 36 goals for Woking in the 2005/2006 season, was wanted by a host of Conference clubs after he was released by League Two side Peterborough United in May.

"A lot of clubs were after Justin so it's a big boost for him to sign for us," said Howarth.

"Mark and I thought about trying to bring him in last season but he was probably just a bit out of our range. When we were looking at who we could bring in he was always one of our major targets."

"He's six foot tall, athletic and quick. There's a lot of players like that around but there aren't many which come with a goal record like his at Conference level.

"It sends out the right message to our rivals in the Conference, there were a lot of clubs after him but he wanted to come to us.

"Justin has played here with Woking and likes the set up. Mark and I tried to get across what a friendly club we are and that Harriers are moving forward.

"He's living in Peterborough at the moment but is originally from Birmingham, so he'll be coming to a place where he has family and friends."

After an unsuccessful season with The Posh, where he scored one goal in 13 games and was loaned to Grays Athletic and Boston United, Richards will be eager to find his scoring touch once more.

Howarth told The Shuttle Times and News that more new signings are not far away from joining the club.

"I think it's matter of days and weeks before we add a few more faces. We don't want to bring in anybody just because we can, but we have identified our targets and talks with several players are in an advanced position.

"We've always worked on the philosophy of bringing in players who can play at this level and can go straight into the first team in order to create competition for places."

The signing completes a successful week for Harriers' management duo, who signed on the dotted line on two-year deals during the weekend after several months of talks with the board.

"I was happy to sign a new contract. It's nice to be given a chance to build on what we have achieved already," said the assistant.

"There was no reason why it was delayed. Talks got stretched because of the FA Carlsberg Trophy Final, which was absolute chaos because of the size of the occasion and the interest.

"It's great the board have backed us and given us the support we need to strengthen the squad."

Chairman Barry Norgrove was pleased to see Yates and Howarth, who took the helm at Harriers in January 2006, stay on.

"I'm delighted Mark and Neil have signed new contracts," said the chairman.

"They work incredibly hard behind the scenes to try and make sure the club is going in the right direction.

"I'm pleased for them because they are two local lads who have done an excellent job since taking over.

"We are also backing them by bringing in the players they want. We're spending a lot of money but you have to speculate to accumulate."

Winger Simon Russell, 22, made it a hat-trick of signings for Harriers when he committed himself for another season at Aggborough by agreeing a new one-year contract.