THE lessons learned from last season's disappointment will spur Harriers onto more success according to midfielder Dean Bennett.

The 31-year-old was a key member of the squad which just missed out on the play-offs in the Blue Square Premier last season.

A 1-0 loss at home to Kettering was enough to end their dream on the season's final day and Bennett believes this was a harsh lesson well-learned by the players.

Harriers start the season at home to newly promoted Hayes and Yeading on Saturday and Bennett has bittersweet memories of the 2008-09 campaign opener against Lewes.

Harriers had been leading but Bennett's own-goal ensured a 1-1 draw.

"I think the lads we kept from last season have what it takes, we'll be better at winning games which we dropped points in last season," commented Bennett.

"We know how important every game is, not just when you're on a good run, but from the start of the season you have to be getting three points."

Bennett, who signed a one-year deal at Harriers this year to ensure his third season at the club, has seen the squad come together over the last month.

The club saw the likes of Justin Richards, Mark Creighton, Adam Bartlett, Keith Lowe, Andy Ferrell and Luke Jones depart in May.

Manager Mark Yates has signed a host of young players andformer Wrexham and Chester man Bennett could play an important guiding role.

He said: "I came back and there was only six or seven player signed and I was wondering who we were going to get back in.

"It happened the year before and slowly over the weeks players started to come in.

"We seem to have got a good bunch of lads. We've looked pretty good in pre-season so hopefully there's more to come.

"The players we lost were good ones, I'm not saying the ones we have got in are better but they're hungry to succeed and are up for it. We've got a desire to win and they've all settled in.

"When you're younger you tend to rush things because you are eager to impress, but sometimes you have to settle down and not panic.

"It's learning how to win games and hopefully I'll come in handy."

Harriers are well-stocked with central midfield players so Bennett will be battling for a first team spot with John Finnigan, Chris McPhee, David McDermott and Nathan Hayward.

"It's like any good team you have to have competition for places," added Bennett.

"Sometimes if you know you're going to play sometimes you don't push yourself, but if you are aware that if you have a bad game you will be dropped then it keeps you on your toes."


HAYWARD DELIGHTED WITH DEAL
MANAGER BACKS YOUNG STARS
MCPHEE'S HOME-FROM-HOME
VIDEO: WINGER IS FEARLESS