KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates is set to be ruthless and release a number of trialists as he steps up his squad rebuilding at Aggborough.

The manager is expected to let several hopefuls go before Friday night’s friendly against Championship side Plymouth at home (7.45pm kick-off).

Harriers have welcomed a number of trialists to pre-season training and while a handful impressed the manager in Monday night’s 1-0 win over Hereford United, Yates is well aware he needs to be making firm plans before the Blue Square Premier kicks off against Lewes at home on Saturday, August 9.

As well as deciding the future of several players hoping to earn a contract, Yates has still not given up on adding some more new faces to his squad, which currently stands at 12.

“We’re still in the planning stages at the moment and I will sit down and talk to a few of the lads we have on trial over the next few days,” said Yates.

“I thought all the lads that came on trial did very well and it helped me make my mind up about them.

“We are also still after a few targets and are still hopeful that things will come together.

“We’ve had a couple of knock backs but we’re still working hard to strengthen the squad.”

The decision to cull a few trialists may be tough for the manager as former Norwich and Stockport full-back Mike Bowler, 20, ex-Newcastle trainee Martin Brittain, 23, Walsall’s David McDermott and Gavin MacCallum, who played for Weymouth last season, all produced promising performances against the Bulls.

New goalkeeper Adam Bartlett, a summer signing from Blythe Spartans, also made an impressive debut for Harriers on Monday.

Harriers also fielded former Wolverhampton defender Keith Lowe during the first half on Monday.

Lowe was released by the Championship club in the summer and is training with Harriers to keep his fitness up.

Yates got to know the 22-year-old when he was assistant manager at Burnley, when Lowe was loaned out by Wolves.

The manager already has captain Mark Creighton and Luke Jones in central defence and it is not one of his top priorities to secure Lowe’s signature at the moment.

“I know Keith from my Burnley days and he’s a good lad,” said Yates.

“He still wants to play league football but we’re helping him out and also having a look at him.

“If I didn’t have Mark Creighton and Luke Jones then we would think differently.”

Yates is also desperate to keep key midfield man Russ Penn, despite the attentions of League One side Walsall.

Harriers claim that the Saddlers made a bid for the 22-year-old last week and the club is expecting another approach, but Yates is not prepared to let Penn go without a fight.

“We obviously want to keep Russ here and we’re determined to retain our best players,” added the manager.

“I know he’s got ambitions to play in the league and we don’t want to stand in his way but I am determined to keep him here because he’s a big player."

Creighton and Jones may be doubts for Friday’s clash because of injury.

Jones had to come off on Monday after sustaining a knock to his knee, while Harriers’ captain missed the game because of an ankle problem.

Harriers take part in the Errea South West Challenge Cup next week in Devon, playing Yeovil Town on Wednesday, July 23 and Barnstaple two days later (both 8pm kick-off).

To read a match report from Monday's win over Hereford click here or to see pictures from the game click here.