KIDDERMINSTER Harriers assistant manager Neil Howarth has been impressed by the players' hunger during the first week of pre-season training.

Preparations for the Blue Square Premier stepped up this week when the squad came together and started training.

Harriers currently have 12 players contracted to them for new campaign, while Dean Bennett and Simon Russell are still in talks with Harriers about signing deals.

Howarth said: "Training is going well and all the lads are really going for it.

"They look hungry and determined for the coming season and that's a good sign."

Manager Mark Yates also has a number of trialists at the club, which include former Walsall players Marco Adaggio and David McDermott and ex-Newcastle United trainee Martin Brittain.

McDermott, 20, is a versatile forward who became the youngest player to play for the Saddlers when he came on as a substitute in the Carling Cup against Sheffield United in 2006.

Midfielder Brittain turned down a new deal with Newcastle in 2006 and has had spells with Carlisle, Yeovil and Ipswich.

Italian forward Adaggio, 20, scored six goals in 16 starts for Stafford Rangers, before being laid low by injury in the second half of last season.

He started his career at Shrewsbury Town and has also played for Welsh Premier side Bangor City.

"Marco was doing well at Stafford before he got injured and had to sit the rest of the season out," said Howarth.

"There's no doubting that he's got ability and we're having a look at him and several others."

Defender Michael Wylde, who spent the end of the season on loan at Aggborough from Cheltenham, is not training with Harriers.

The 20-year-old has been a target for manager Mark Yates but the Birmingham-born player is keeping his options open.

"Michael is a player we have been interested in and we have spoke to him but he's looking around at other options at the moment," added Howarth.

For pictures of Harriers players in training click here .