CHEY Dunkley isn’t thinking about Harriers booking a place in the Conference Premier play-offs this season – he’s only interested in them winning the title.

The powerhouse defender is confident Gary Whild’s side are fully capable of becoming champions after finishing seventh last term.

The 22 year-old said: “Last season wasn’t what we wanted obviously because we ended up seventh. This time we aren’t looking to go for the play-offs to be honest – we’re trying to win the league.

“It wouldn’t be right to just go for the play-offs because if you do that you can finish short.

"We must try to win the league. We have got the players to do it. We’ve got winners in the side.”

Wolverhampton-born Dunkley admits that trying to secure number one spot will be a tough challenge during a campaign in which newcomers Bristol Rovers are hotly tipped to end up as champions.

He said: “Winning the league isn’t going to be easy, but if we stay on top of our training then I’m sure we’ll be able to do that.”

Former Hednesford Town campaigner Dunkley, who started his career at Crewe Alexandra, is convinced Harriers have the right people in place to guide them to league glory.

Among them is his fellow central defender Josh Gowling, who has now taken on a coaching role at Aggborough. “He’s been helping prepare us for the start of the season along with Mark Creighton (assistant manager) and Gary Whild and we’re ready for our first match against Lincoln. I’m sure we’ll be focused and we’ve all been working hard in pre-season.”

Determined Dunkley, who had a spell on the sidelines last term with a knee injury, believes Harriers’ clutch of close season recruits will help play a major role in the club’s bid for glory.

“We’ve got some new signings and it’s looking good for the new season,” said Dunkley, who has made a big impression at Aggborough since making his first team debut against Dartford in August, 2012.

He’s now well on the way to completing 100 first team appearances for the club – a milestone he’d like to celebrate during what he’d love to be a title-winning campaign.