DEFENDER Jordan Tunnicliffe has given Kidderminster Harriers a much-needed boost after agreeing a new deal.

The 21-year-old has committed himself to the Aggborough outfit for the 2015-16 campaign after making his mark since stepping up from Sutton Coldfield Town in December.

Tunnicliffe was thrust into action deputising for the injured Josh Gowling, before going on loan to Hednesford Town to help settle a money wrangle between the two clubs.

But the former West Bromwich youngster came back impressively with man-of-the-match performances against Barnet and Eastleigh.

Tunnicliffe’s commitment takes the sting off defensive partner Jamie Grime’s decision to turn down a new deal and join Dover Athletic.

“Jordan is a player we like, since he’s joined he’s been thrown in at the deep end and done very well,” said manager Gary Whild.

“He’s blossomed over the last few months. He went to Hednesford because of a money issue, but came back and was our best player in the final two games “He’s accepted his deal which speaks volumes about him in that, in financial terms, he knows there is no wage here for him until July.

“Now I’m sure he could have gone off and pursued things at clubs where that wouldn’t have been the case – so it says a lot.

“We’re excited about him and have seen enough in him and his performances to know that he can come back and carry on improving.”

Rookie Jamie Spencer looks set to return next season after accepting a new deal and Aman Verma will also return after agreeing to a contract for the 2015-16 campaign.

Jack Byrne, who joined the club in 2010, is considering his options after being offered a new deal.

Whild added: “Jack has a few things he wants to consider and is taking time to do that, as you might expect and as is understandable.

“Aman has come full circle in terms of being settled back in full-time football, which is something he’d wanted.

“Now I’m expecting him to kick on as he’ll be a more important player for us.”

Whild also said that veteran Lee Hughes was also looking at all choices ahead of next season.

Hughes returned to Harriers after an 18-year absence from Forest Green Rovers in January and scored three goals.

But the Reds’ hopes of sustaining a play-off push was derailed by the club’s cashflow issues.

The former West Bromwich hitman, who played in Saturday's fans' day, took a big pay cut to play for the club which propelled him to stardom, but Whild is unsure if he will return.

“Lee and I had an amicable chat,” said Whild.

“We were able to bring him in last season after he was paid off by Forest Green Rovers and he did very well.

“We wanted him to push us on to the play-offs, but things happened behind the scenes which stopped that from happening.

“He did very well but he’s not going to be short of offers so we’ll see what happens.”

Released Harriers midfielder Josh O’Keefe has joined Altrincham.