JOSH Gowling is relishing what he feels is a “fresh start” to his Harriers career, writes Chris Oldnall.

The experienced defender, who’s now combining his playing duties with a coaching role at Aggborough, can’t wait to get stuck in to the new season which begins on Saturday with a trip to his old club Lincoln City.

Gowling, who left the Imps to join Harriers in 2012, is enjoying every minute of the extra responsibilities he’s been given by boss Gary Whild.

“I’m on the coaching staff as well as playing, so it’s a fresh start for me,” said the 30 year old, who has also been working hard on his fitness after missing the end of last term with a pelvic injury.

He added: “I enjoy coaching. The gaffer asked me to do it as he knew my ambition was to be at this football club after I’ve finished playing. I’ve always wanted to go into coaching.

“It’s come a bit early for me, but I’m enjoying it. I love it to be honest. Sometimes you want to do something and until you actually do it you don’t realise how much you enjoy it. I’m looking at football from a different aspect now”.

Gowling is hoping his dual role will help Harriers fulfil their dream of regaining Football League status He said: “We’ve got a lot more stability in the club now. Obviously, last season was a bit topsy-turvy with the comings and goings, but we’ve got a few new acquisitions which gives the lads a new lease of life to be honest.

“Sometimes things can get a bit stale and stagnant, but I think with these new guys coming in it’ll put pressure on all the other lads to improve their game. It just gives us that competition in the squad.

“We want to have a good season and impress. We need to step up to the plate now and give a good account of ourselves.

“We want to get into the Football League. For the club financially that would be fantastic, but we also want to do it for the fans.

“They’ve been amazing, even just in the time I’ve been here.

“To give them something they’ve not had for so long by getting back into the Football League would be amazing.

That’s what our goal is this season.

“I know it’s been our goal over other years, but we really want to go for it this year.”

And for Gowling the best possible way to start the new campaign would be to pocket three points at Lincoln, but he knows it’s not going to be easy.

“They’re a top team. It’s a top place to go to, but sometimes I think it’s better to get straight into the mix and play against some of the better teams in the league,” he said.