WAYNE Thomas wants to scotch any thoughts of Kidderminster Harriers suffering a relegation hangover following last season’s painful exit from non-league’s top flight, writes Chris Oldnall.

And he’s now looking forward to what he hopes will be a champagne campaign for the ambitious Aggborough squad.

But newcomer Thomas is experienced enough to know Harriers face a tough battle to mount a serious promotion challenge in what promises to be a highly competitive National League North season.

The 37-year-old said: “We have now got to go and play with that little bit of swagger and be as professional as we can be and go straight back up.”

And being professional is what defender Thomas knows all about after a successful career which has included spells with Stoke City, Burnley, Southampton, Doncaster Rovers, Torquay United, Luton Town, Rochdale, Tamworth and Worcester City.

He said: “The gaffer (John Eustace) and Matt Gardiner (Harriers’ new head of coaching) have come in to freshen things up a little bit and hopefully we can look to kick on this season.

“Yes, the club were relegated last season, but that’s gone. If you dwell on that then obviously it can become a bit of a sinking feeling as it were, but you’ve got to take the positives. I think the side played well towards the end of last season and you’ve now got to start looking forward.”

Gloucester-born Thomas aims to help the younger players in the Aggborough squad who, he says, can expect to sample the rough and smooth elements of National League North football He said: “There’ll be a lot of physicality, but there will be some play as well so we’ve got to be able to mix it up. But firstly we’ve got to go and earn the right to play the kind of football we want to play. It’s then that you go out and play it. But if you think we can go out and just tippy-tappy it around then we’re going to be in for a rude awakening. The gaffer has stressed that to us.

“We’ve got to go and look to do what we can as well as we can and as professionally as we can. Then, come April/May, we’ll see what position we’re in and where we’re trying to get to.”

But Thomas has been around long enough in football not to take anything for granted – not even his place in the team. He said: “If I can get into the starting eleven – and that’s no means guaranteed as I’ve got to earn my place – then hopefully I can bring a little bit of experience and guidance to the younger players. Then maybe I can use that experience and know-how in and around the training ground as well.”

Close season capture Thomas has quickly settled into life at Aggborough.

He added: “I’ve known the gaffer from our Stoke days and Matt (Gardiner) from Worcester, so it’s been great. They’re trying to do things the right way and make it as professional as possible while the chairman is looking to get a structure in place to make it a professional set-up. Pre-season is always hard. It doesn’t matter how used to it you are. It’s always difficult, but it’s been enjoyable."