IT may only be a week into pre-season training but assistant boss Gary Whild has been pleased with the attitude of Kidderminster Harriers’ players.

Whild and Burr put the squad through their paces despite some soggy conditions over the last week.

The management duo are delighted the playing staff have returned from the summer break having adherred to the instructions of physio Gavin Crowe. He had directed the players on how best to keep fit and make sure they were ready for the vigours of pre-season.

“The lads have worked very hard so far,” said Whild. “We’re only a week in but most pleasingly, all the players listened to what Gavin had to tell them and stuck to it.

“That means they’ve all returned looking in good shape and are working well.

“We’ve obviously been concentrating on the lads’ fitness but I think they’ve welcomed the rain. Pre-season training is normally done under a baking sun, so the rain is a refreshing change.”

Harriers’ preparations for the Blue Square Bet Premier 2012-13 will be cranked up on Saturday, as Burr’s boys open their pre-season friendly programme at Sutton Coldfield Town-based outfit Romulus (3pm ko). Children under the age of 16-years-old will be allowed free entry into the ground.

Harriers had been set to play Highgate last night but the match was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

The Aggborough outfit then send an XI to AFC Wulfrunians on Tuesday and take on Stourport Swifts two days later at Walshes Meadow (both 7.45pm ko).

Whild added: “At this stage it’s not about the performance but the lads getting match fitness.

“This is all about building to the first game of the season at Lincoln.”

Meanwhile, Dan Bradley’s departure from Harriers was confirmed at the end of last week, when he signed a two-year deal at Alfreton.

The club is eligible for compensation for the 20-year-old midfielder under the Bosman Ruling.

Harriers are also set to look for a replacement for young goalkeeper Dean Lyness, who has been linked to a move to League Two outfit Burton Albion. The former Birmingham City custodian has not been in training all week.