IYSEDEN Christie insists he has "nothing to prove" to Kidderminster Harriers or Mansfield Town when his current and former clubs clash on Monday.

Due to his long injury lay- off, Harriers supporters have only seen fleeting glimpses of the exciting ability that made Christie a fans' favourite at Field Mill.

But although the stocky striker comes across as modest and unassuming, he believes his reputation for scoring goals in the lower leagues speaks for itself.

He said: "I don't think I've got a point to prove to anyone.

"I've been playing football long enough to know if you worry about what people say or think, you're just going to end up playing rubbish.

"I don't have any expectations. People say are you going to score or do this and that and I say "Maybe" because I don't want to come up with statements and then not back them up.

"I know I can play and the Kidderminster fans know I can play because if they didn't they wouldn't be cheering me on when I come out for warm-ups."

Christie is disappointed about the way Mansfield treated him when releasing him while he was injured, but he has no hard feeling towards the Stags.

"I don't really have any bad memories of Mansfield because I always played, I always scored and the fans liked me.

"Wherever I've played the fans have liked me and whoever I play against the fans don't like me, that's just my game so I'm not really fussed.

"I've only got good things to say about them, apart from the way they dealt with me when I was injured.

"Obviously they've flattered to deceive this season, they've had another change of manager and they're not really going anywhere.

"It's a shame because they had a good bunch of players last year. I realise the likes of Liam Lawrence have gone onto bigger and better things but most of the players could have stayed if only they'd got their finger out."

Christie makes no apologies for the way he handles himself on and off the pitch and insists he does not suffer fools gladly in football or in life.

"You have to set your stall out on and off the pitch because if people think they can take liberties with you they will," he said.

"People realise just by my demeanour that they can't mess with me and what they see from me is what they get.

"If they want to mess with me then maybe they're making the wrong decision. I don't go out to annoy anyone or get in anyone's face, I'm just myself."

Christie was expecting to get another 90 minutes under his belt in last night's reserve fixture with Nuneaton Borough, which was also set to feature the return of striker Gary Birch.

But he is unsure whether he will be in the starting line up against his old club on Monday.

"I asked the boss if he was saving me for Mansfield and he gave me a wry smile. He knows that I'm around, he knows what I can do and he knows I want to play against Mansfield," he added.

School-aged Harriers fans will be granted free entry to Saturday's match at Darlington as part of a day of festivities at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Kidderminster were the first visitors when the ground was opened in August 2003 and the Quakers hope to mark the occasion with a party atmosphere.

Darlington's new North Stand will be officially opened on Saturday, while there will be pre-match entertainment from 11.30am with the match kicking off at 1pm.

The North East club will also attempt to set a new world record as 122 mascots, all in full Quakers kit, take to the pitch.

Darlington chairman Stewart Davies said; "This match is a celebration day for Darlington Football Club, but we want Kidderminster Harriers fans to enjoy the day as well and to feel the benefits."