NEW Kidderminster Harriers marksman Nyal Bell is being backed to fire the club to success in the forthcoming National League North season. Bell is expected to make a big impact after being confirmed as boss Russ Penn’s first new acquisition of the summer this week.

The 24-year-old has agreed what is believed to be one-year contract with Harriers, which kicks in from 1st July after the end of his deal at Stockport County.

It is Bell’s form with the Hatters which is most likely to have alerted the club’s management staff, with the livewire forward being a major player at Edgeley Park - particularly under the stewardship of veteran former boss Jim Gannon.

Under his stewardship, an influential Bell was part of the County team that won National League North a few seasons ago in what was one of the player’s three campaigns there.

With a fresh challenge ahead, the former Rochdale and Gateshead man is being tipped for big things by Penn, said Bell’s hunger was a major factor in the decision to bring him to Worcestershire.

“We’re delighted to bring Nyal in,” said Penn, who welcomed Bell and the rest of his squad back for pre-season training this week.

“He’s someone we’ve identified as not only being able to strengthen us but also someone who is hungry to come here and do well.

“He’ll bring a real threat to the final third for us and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Of the new chapter in his career, Bell added: “I’m happy to sign here and get everything sorted.

“I’ve seen how big a club it is, and it should be in the National League. I’ve come here to help with that and push my career on.

“I want to hopefully score some goals and be a real handful.

“It has been a while since I had regular, first team football so it will be good to kick on here and, hopefully, play week in, week out and score a lot of goals.

“I’ve helped to win this league before so I’m hoping I can now come and do the same for Kidderminster.”

The signing of Bell takes the Aggborough ranks to 15 for the new season, with Penn believed to be keen on a handful more permanent and loan signings before the league term gets underway on August 14.

The first pre-season friendly of the summer sees a Harriers XI make the short trip to neighbours Stourport Swifts on Tuesday, July 13 at 7.45pm.

Penn’s men follow that with a trip to the Jubilee Stadium to play Evesham on Saturday, July 17 , with home matches against Cheltenham Town (July 20, 7pm) and Walsall (July 24, 3pm).