MATT Gardiner could not hide his delight after an encouraging week at Kidderminster Harriers.

The head of coaching officially takes up his role full-time today after completing his period of notice at employers Hitachi.

The club’s preparations for the 2016-17 season in the National North stepped up as the squad returned to training this week, with manager John Eustace at the helm.

Among those returning were duo Keith Lowe and Jared Hodgkiss, who both signed new deals, while young keeper Sam Hornby and utility man Ashley Carter also put pen to paper.

Gardiner said: “The gaffer has been very pleased with the effort and attitude of the players.

“It’s been a good first week back in pre-season.

“It was great to have Keith re-sign, he’s a very good player at the level we’re in and another natural leader.

“There were some interest from clubs from the league above so it says a lot about what we’re trying to do here.”

Carter is also relishing the chance to prove himself at Kidderminster after a ten game spell at Tamworth.

He said: "It was good; I learned the other side of the game with direct football, ex pros, older people and results meaning a lot more than when I was playing under-21 football.

"Then you've got the other side of it where you go to long places on a Tuesday night with not the best of grounds - it's all something to get your head around and I can't wait to get going.

"Under-21s football is just more comfortable. When I went to Tamworth you have the fans and the likes of Harrogate or whoever come with a decent following.

"Crowds never get to me but I know they're there. Going from a crowd of say 60 at Wolves to 700 - the first game I thought I'd get used to it but once you get your football head on you can't hear it.

“I'm looking to make a name for myself in front of our fans and nobody else.”