NEW Kidderminster Harriers boss John Eustace says it is time to look forward as planning for the 2016-17 season steps up.

The former Derby County and Watford midfielder officially took the reins last week and watched Kidderminster complete the season with a 4-3 win at Southport.

It was an encouraging way to end a campaign which saw the club relegation to the second tier of the non-league pyramid.

With number two Matt Gardiner also installed as head of coaching, the club has everything in place to begin building for an important campaign.

Fans will be expecting Harriers to respond immediately with a promotion push.

He said: “It has been a tough season and, obviously, a lot has gone on off the pitch.

“But as a club and as a whole we have to forget that and look forward.

“We have to be really positive about next season; we’ll work hard in pre-season and try and get things right.”

Kidderminster have secured Jordan Tunnicliffe, Dan Sweeney, George Forsyth, Nathan Millichamp, George Taylor and James Hancocks after they had one-year options in their current deals exercised.

They already had Elton Ngwatala, Ousmane Fane, Arthur Gnahoua, Zaine Francis-Angol, Tyrone Williams, Kennedy Digie, and Ben Clarke on contracts for 2016/17.

Defender Jared Hodgkiss has also triggered an appearance-based clause in his deal and has been offered terms for the campaign ahead.

Offers have been made for next season to striker Evan Garnett, defender Keith Lowe, midfielder James McQuilkin and winger Omari Patrick.

Eustace added: “With the club being relegated, finances have made a lot of the decisions quite easy, really.

“It’s not a footballing reason and I think it’s more financial and that’s just part and parcel of being relegated.

“But [the squad that remains] looks great and very impressive.

“On Saturday I was impressed with the whole team; the midfield dominated and the strikers did well.

“It’s going to be exciting for next year so that’s only a good thing.”