Yates aims to win back fans

9:10am Thursday 3rd April 2008

IN-FORM Kidderminster Harriers can win stay-away fans back to Aggborough with their sparkling football, according to manager Mark Yates.

The red-hot side are brimming with confidence after winning four games in a row over the last week.

With attendances averaging just over 1,500 this season, among the club's lowest in the last decade, the manager is well aware that it's up to his side to maintain their winning streak until the end of the campaign in order to attract more fans through the turnstiles.

He has also challenged his players to win the final six games of the season, starting with Saturday's Blue Square Premier clash at home to Altrincham, before going to Halifax in the league on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).

If Harriers were to continue their winning streak they would end on 77 points, which is mathematically enough to get them into the play-offs, although Yates believes it would need a miracle for that to happen.

"We're a good team and we know we've under achieved. There's no one more disappointed than me, my staff and hopefully the players," said the manager.

"All we can do is win the next six games.

"It will be tough but we know we're capable of going on a good run.

"I want us to get to 77 points and we'll see what happens then. It would take the teams above us to really lose their way so I don't think it will happen.

"All we can do is take it game-by-game and concentrate on getting three points.

"What's important is that we continue our good form until the end of the season and give the fans hope.

"We had a good turn-out for the Ebbsfleet game and we need to be attracting bigger crowds into the stadium and the best way to do that is by playing good football."

The Aggborough side are certainly capable of ending the season strongly after taking 12 points from five games during a gruelling 11-day period.

Victories over Rushden and Diamonds, Crawley, Cambridge and Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night have breathed confident back into the team.

"The team is playing with a lot of confidence at the moment and long may it continue," commented Yates.

"We haven't done much to change the side, perhaps we're playing a formation which several of the players are enjoying.

"It has been a really hard week and the players have dug in and shown their character and determination."

The manager may shake-up his team for Saturday's home clash and could call upon new loan signings Michael Wylde and Jake Moult, who both joined before last Thursday's deadline.

Cheltenham defender Wylde, 19, joined as cover for centrebacks Mark Creighton and Gavin Hurren, while Plymouth Argyle utility man Moult, 19, can play anywhere in midfield.

Keeper Chris MacKenzie may miss Saturday's game after sustaining a thigh injury in last Thursday's win over Crawley. If so Dean Coleman, who has deputised in the last two games, will stay in the side.

Harriers have announced trial dates for the new youth team.

Players aged under 18-years-old by the end of August this year can attend sessions on Wednesday, April 23 (7pm start) or Sunday, April 27 (11am start).

Anyone interested can call coaches Nick Griffiths or Dave Edge on 01562 863821.

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