MANAGER Steve Burr is confident Kidderminster Harriers are ready for their daunting start to the Blue Square Bet Premier 2012-13 campaign.

The Aggborough outfit go into the new season with expectations high they can build on last season’s sixth-place finish and push again for the play-off spots.

But Burr is focusing his mind on the most testing start to a season since he joined the club in January 2010.

Harriers kick-off at much-strengthened Lincoln City on Saturday (3pm ko) and then face two of the bookies favourites for promotion at home, tackling Paul Buckle’s Luton Town outfit on Tuesday (7.45pm ko), followed by the summer’s big spenders Mansfield on August 18 (3pm ko).

“We went to Lincoln early last season and it was a cracking game but they’ve brought some experienced lads in this year, they’re obviously looking to get themselves out of this division,” said Harriers’ manager.

“We know it’s going to be hard going there for a first game but they’re all tough games.

“With the home games we’ve got against Luton and Mansfield it’s a really a tough and hectic start for us but the good thing is we’re playing them early.”

Harriers’ build-up to the new campaign suffered a setback as striker Anthony Malbon, 21, is set to miss Saturday’s trip to Lincoln with a chest infection.

Although Jamille Matt is back in training he is ineligible to play because of his on-going issue with the UK Border Agency.

That means Harriers only have Ryan Rowe and Steve Guinan as recognised strikers, although Ricky Shakes can play in a forward role.

Harriers have cast an eye over former Halesowen Town striker Justin Nisbett but it remains unclear whether he will be signed.

However, after a busy summer, Burr feels the squad is gelling.

“I’ve been reasonably pleased with the squad we’ve managed to get together this season,” added the manager.

“Whether we can do as well as we did last year remains to be seen, the squad of players have started to gel.

“There’s quite a number of new lads, hopefully they’ll bed in quickly because it’s quite important to get off to a good start.”

Meanwhile, Harriers are set to reveal who the new captain will be today during an open training day, with Ryan Austin or Exodus Geohaghon the leading contenders for the armband.

n Kidderminster ended their pre-season preparations with a disappointing 1 -0 defeat to Stourbridge in the postponed Worcestershire Senior Cup final on Saturday.

The hosts paid the price for a sluggish start as Sam Rock plundered a winner in the first half. Despite a concerted fight back after the break, keeper Lewis Solly kept them at bay.

Meanwhile, a handful of first team squad players, including Lee Vaughan, Kyle Storer, Jack Byrne and Callum Gittings, were part of a youthful squad which went down 1-0 at Leamington on Tuesday.

 

  • Ready for kick-off: Kidderminster Harriers’ squad are ready for the rigours of the 2012-13 season in the Blue Square Bet Premier. Back Row (left to right) Keith Briggs, Kyle Storer, James Vincent, Callum Gittings, Jamile Matt, Justin Nisbett. Middle Row: Gavin Crowe (Senior Sports Therepist), Ade Ganderton (Kitman), Mickey Demetriou, Kevin Austin, Danny Lewis, Mike Williams, Danny Pilkington, Andy Fearn (Chief Scout) Jerry Gill (Youth Academy Manager). Front Row: Ryan Rowe, Cheyenne Dunkley, Marvin Johnson, Anthony Malbon, Steve Burr (Manager), Lee Vaughan, Ricky Shakes, Jack Byrne, Exodus Geohaghon. Not present: Steve Guinan, Nathan Vaughan, Gary Whild (Assistant Manager)