Yates not Lewes-ing sleep over tough start

11:20am Thursday 3rd July 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates is confident his side will come through a tough start to the 2008-2009 season in the Blue Square Premier.

The Aggborough team face a tricky opening day at home to Blue Square South champions Lewes on Saturday, August 9, before going to last season’s play-off final losers Cambridge United three days later.

Harriers then tackle relegated Football League side Mansfield Town away from home on Saturday, August 16.

On paper these three fixtures look a daunting task, with Sussex side Lewes eager to make their mark, new Cambridge boss Gary Brabin aiming to lift his troops after last season’s play-off final loss to Exeter and Mansfield needing to bounce back after their relegation from the Coca-Cola League Division Three.

However, Yates is not worried by the three testing league fixtures Harriers have been handed.

“We know that there are no easy games in this league so we are going to have to deal with them,” said Yates.

“Lewes will be eager to start strongly and then we have Cambridge and Mansfield but we must concentrate on making a good start.”

On Boxing Day Harriers welcome Forest Green Rovers to Aggborough and go to Gloucestershire for the return fixture on New Year’s Day.

In between those two festive fixtures the team face a long trip to Torquay United on Sunday, December 28.

Harriers end the season at home to newly promoted Kettering Town on Saturday, April 25.

With the new season just over five weeks away from starting, Yates’ team-building has stepped up a gear, as he has a number of trialists to run the rule over in training, which started this week.

As well as the 12 players already contracted to the club for next season Simon Russell and Dean Bennett also took part in training.

Russell’s contract with Harriers ended on Monday but he is still in talks with Yates about a new deal, while the manager is also keen to keep Bennett, who spent last season on-loan from Chester City.

“We’re looking for younger lads but it is important to add some experience, that’s why we would like to keep Dean Bennett and Simon Russell,” commented Yates.

“Talks are going on at the moment but nothing is set in stone.

“We’ve got a few lads to look at in training and things will become clearer in the next few weeks.”

Click here to see full 2008-2009 fixtures