GARY Whild has admitted Harriers’ poor start to the season has been a reality check.

Last week’s 1-0 sobering defeat to Braintree meant Kidderminster are bottom of the Vanarama National League without a win this season.

Indeed, the Reds have forgotten the winning habit with just one victory in the last 23 league matches.

While the Harriers boss has had to assemble a squad on a small budget, he admits there’s no hiding from the scale of the challenge he and his coaching staff face.

"The club has been very clear about the situation we find ourselves in but I think to be fair to the fans they always want to be positive and hope for better.

"I think they've had a reality check, this is going to be an extremely tough season.

"Last year the club was in intensive care and everyone has worked hard to improve the situation but we're not being rushed back to the ward just yet.

"Apart from when we came in after Andy Thorn had left, we've been fighting fires and having to reduce the budget.

"All we can do is work extremely hard, there's no quick fix."

Harrier face a vital set of games over the next few weeks, starting to a trip to second from bottom Halifax tomorrow (3pm ko).

Neil Aspin’s side are also struggling and are only ahead of Kiddy by a point, courtesy of a victory over Barrow a fortnight ago and both sides will be desperate to bag all three.

With rookie midfielder Luke Maxwell suspended for three matches missing Halifax, Torquay and Lincoln, Whild has hinted Calvin Dinsley could be making his first start.

Dinsley signed from Redditch United in the summer but has been playing catch up as he recovered from a knee injury.

Defender Kelvin Langmead may also play some part if his troublesome recurring heel problem allows him to.

“We always try and ease in players but sometimes a situation arises when you have to give them a chance to prove themselves,” said the manager.

“Calvin is making a step up but he’s came to the club to fight for a starting spot and play, so we’ll see what happens.”

Whild added: "Neil Aspin has been used to doing well but he's lost some players who have done well and he's not happy with the situation either.

“I think if we had got the win before now the situation would be different, the players’ confidence would have grown.

“We’ve been a bit unlucky in some games but the longer it goes on, the harder it is.”

Shaun Tuton is a doubt for the Shaymen after picking up a knock during the defeat to Aldershot.

  • Fans unable to make the clash in West Yorkshire can follow all the action with The Shuttle’s live match updates tomorrow afternoon from 2pm.