GARY Whild has reassured hitmen Reece Styche and Michael Gash that they will get their chance to shine for Kidderminster Harriers, writes Peter McKinney.

The duo have had to bide their time on the bench for the first three games of the Vanarama Conference season, with Nathan Blissett and Craig Reid being the manager’s preferred choice.

Gash was top scorer for Harriers with 14 goals last season, while Styche is one of the summer’s big new additions.

But Whild feels the competition for places in the forward line will only benefit the club.

With the Reds going to Macclesfield in the league on Saturday and entertaining Chester on Bank Holiday Monday (both games 3pm kick-off), the manager has said he will utilise his squad.

“I think Nathan Blissett and Craig Reid have been playing so well because they’ve got Michael Gash and Reece Styche breathing down their necks," commented the manager.

“The attitude of all the players has been excellent. Michael has probably had more time than Reece on the pitch, but they have done well when they’ve come on.

“If you look at the massive amount of effort the players have put into each match, it’s hard to imagine that could be kept up for two games in a short space of time, so we may have to change things around.”

Harriers tackle Macclesfield on Saturday in a battle of the unbeaten teams with both sides on seven points.

On Monday, former manager Steve Burr returns with his Chester side, the first time he has been at Aggborough since he left the club in mysterious circumstances in January.

The former Stalybridge boss is a popular figure for his efforts and Whild, who was Burr’s assistant for three-and-a-half successful seasons, predicts a warm welcome for him.

He said: “Steve and I have been fortunate to work together and enjoy some really good times at Harriers and I am sure he will get a warm welcome from the fans.

“We always had a really good working relationship and we still keep in touch.

“It’s great to see him managing at this level again even if it’s not by the most traditional route.”

  •  Meanwhile, it has been confirmed on the Companies House website that former directors Kath and Ernie Lane has officially left the club’s board.
  •  The club have cut ticket prices for their home clash against Gateshead on Saturday, September 6, (3pm kick-off) in order to attract more fans through the door as part of Non-League Day.
  •  Kidderminster Harriers’ Independent Supporters’ Trust (KHIST) are holding their AGM on the same day at Harriers' Social and Supporters’ Club (5pm).