FORMER Kidderminster Harriers favourite Dean Bennett has not ruled out a return to the club he loves in the distant future.

The popular 32-year-old, who was released by manager Steve Burr at the end of last season, is joining up with former Harriers team-mate Ian Foster at Irish Premier League side Dundalk.

Bennett was an enduringly popular figure at Aggborough, racking up over 350 appearance over two spells.

The midfielder was part of the side that won promotion to the Football League in 2000 and played Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup third round in 2004.

He had featured for Telford, Stafford Rangers and Halesowen Town this summer but jumped at the chance to play in Ireland.

Bennett will also be free to play up to Conference North and South level when Dundalk’s season is completed at the end of October.

“I’ve had some wonderful times at Harriers, they’re my club and I would jump at the chance to come back again in the future “Who knows what will happen, maybe I will come back in another role.

“The fans have always been supportive and never got on my back and I’ve had so many happy times there.

“Winning the league was special and so was playing against Wolverhampton in the FA Cup.

“It’s a club where you make friends for life and I will never forget my time there.

“Obviously, the manager was building his own team at Harriers and wanted to go another way.

"I have loved every minute I have played for Harriers but when I wasn't going to get a new deal I had to find a new club.

"There were quite a few who were interested in me but when Ian Foster called me I jumped at the chance.

"The set up is really good and the standard of football is excellent as well.

"They're halfway through the season and I am still getting match fit but I am hoping to get up to speed and nail down a first team spot.

"They've a young squad and I hope my experience can help them.

“Dundalk’s season finishes in October and I can come back and play as high at the Conference North.”

Meanwhile, defender Gavin Caines could be closer to finding a new club, if Harriers and Stafford Rangers can thrash out a loan agreement for him.

The 26-year-old played for Stafford against Port Vale on Tuesday night and Rangers boss Chris Brindley is keen to bolster his injury-hit defence. Caines could also feature for Rangers against Nantwich on Saturday.

Burr is keen to off-load one of his highest paid players but it remains to be seen whether the Conference North side have the necessary funds.

Harriers’ manager also added three new players to bring the squad strengthening nearly to an end.

Hitman Nick Wright, 22, moved to Harriers on a free transfer from Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Tamworth, while trialists Aaron Griffiths, 20, and Callum Gittings, 24, also agreed deals.

Wright opened his Harriers account in Monday’s 4-0 win over Crewe Alexandra to make it five friendly wins in a row.

n Burr’s troops complete their pre-season programme at the manager's former club Hednesford Town this Saturday (3pm kick-off).