KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Gary Whild believes the return of former England international Tim Flowers will help attract players to Aggborough.

Flowers, 48, has came back work with Whild and assistant Mark Creighton for a second spell.

He originally joined Harriers in March 2014 but left to link up with Stuart Pearce at Nottingham Forest.

With chairman Rod Brown revealing the budget is half of the 2014-15 season, thought to be about £250,000, any extra incentives could be key.

“Tim was an important part of the set up when Mark Creighton and myself took over at Harriers," said Whild. “Our record during his time here speaks for itself, with just one defeat in 13 games.

“We built up a great rapport with him and we are delighted to have him back at the club because he’s well respected as a goalkeeping and outfield coach.

“People might be wondering how we can afford to bring him in but I can assure everyone he’s not being paid a staggering amount."

“Not wanting to go into anyone’s personal finances, he’s won the league with Blackburn and was an established England player, so he has security.”

Whild is chasing the signatures of "three or four" experienced players to bolster what will be a young squad and has also revealed the club are hoping to bring in a goalkeeper on loan from a Premier League side.

“We are some way down the line trying to bring in a young keeper from a Premier League side,” he said.

“We’re also working hard to bring in three or four players more experienced players who can help the young guys we have at the club.

“The chairman has come out and said that the budget is half of what it was last season, so we cannot compete with the wages.

“But we can offer players a good set-up and the chance to work with a former England player, which is also an attractive prospect."

The club are also hoping to secure the services of versatile youngster Jake Green.

Harriers’ plans suffered a setback when midfielder Jack Byrne rejected a new deal and opted to sign for Conference North side Solihull Moors, following former Reds team-mates Callum Gittings and Danny Lewis.

Byrne was one of former boss Steve Burr’s first signings and made 157 appearances, scoring 27 goals.

The manager said: “I was a little surprised to see Jack leave. Unlike Danny Lewis and Callum Gittings, he’s a few years younger but he felt it was time for a change.

“I believe Solihull have offered him a good deal and being part-time he can also work as well.”

l The deadline for early bird season tickets is 5pm on Friday.