NEIL MacFarlane hopes Kidderminster's blend of attitude and ability will help them get off to a good start this season.

Harriers kick-off the new National League North campaign at Alfreton Town this Saturday before the visit of Telford United next Tuesday night (7.45pm).

A slow start last term had the Reds playing catch-up but the new boss at Aggborough hopes his side can hit the ground running after a promising pre-season.

The rounded off their summer programme with an impressive 3-0 success at National League side Solihull Moors last weekend.

MacFarlane said: ""The Solihull game was the perfect test for us and the boys are ready for the first game now.

"We've put them through five and a half weeks of pre-season and have been focused on their fitness levels and how we want to play tactically and they are starting to understand what is required.

"In both training and the games I've been really improved with the group. They have had a great attitude and application and shown plenty of quality as well.

"That marriage can give us success this season.

"We've not got the biggest budget but hopefully our full-time status and how we are able to prepare the players can help us put forwards.

"We will be going out to try and win every game. The club had a slow start last season so it would be great if we could improve on that.

"We know what's needed and a positive start will give us a big advantage and help us build some momentum."

The manager completed his squad building last week thanks to the signings of defender Ed Wagner and forward Kane Richards following successful trials.

Wagner, 24, has spent most of his career playing in his native United States but did feature during a spell at Alfreton Town last season, playing alongside fellow new Harriers recruit James Baxendale.

Richards, meanwhile, is a former Derby County youngster and has played most of his senior football with Chester before spells with Dover and Telford.

"We were pleased that we managed to get a couple of boys in," added MacFarlane. "They have both shown in pre-season they are fit and have the ability and they know how I want to go about things now too."

"We have a small and tight squad so it was important to add a few more.

"You're always looking to improve and get better and that will carry on even as the season starts."

Meanwhile, Harriers have named defender Jimmy O'Connor, 33, as captain for the 2018/19 campaign.

MacFarlane has no major injury worries ahead of the weekend as long as his side come through their final training sessions unscathed.