ADIE Smith believes his debut season in the Football League has been a steep learning curve -- and one that will benefit him in the future.

The 27-year-old Kidderminster Harriers campaigner, however, admits that it has been a baptism of fire for both himself and the club.

He said: "It's been harder than I expected. I thought, get up in the morning, go and play a bit of football and you'll be as happy as Larry and you have got the afternoon off.

"It's not like that. There's consistent training and I didn't think I'd be as tired. But, don't get me wrong, it's enjoyable and I wouldn't change it for the world. I love it, but it's just harder than I expected."

Smith, who cost Harriers £19,000 from Bromsgrove Rovers in the summer of 1997, believes he and the club will be far better equipped next season to handle Third Division football following their eventful debut campaign.

"I'll think we'll know what to expect now. I've learned a great deal and we'll know how to play. We'll know they are going to come at you for 90 minutes and I think we'll do a lot better."

Smith, who was with Willenhall Town before moving to Bromsgrove, believes Harriers will have learned enough to make them possible play-off candidates next season.

"I think we have been a bit in awe of some of the clubs. We have given them a bit too much respect this season.

"Obviously we've had a little slump but if we get a good bit of team morale next season I think we'll do well."

Reflecting on his own contribution this term, he said: "It's been enjoyable. I've been getting in the side whether it being at centre half or central midfield and I've scored some goals. I've got to be happy with it.

"I'm always improving. Since Conference days, I think I've improved my touch and my passing but against next season I'll need to improve some more."

Harriers boss Jan Molby has been happy with the way Smith has adapted to his various roles this season.

He said: "Adie has done okay. He's obviously been asked to play in a number of various positions.

"He started off at centre-half, played left full-back and then we moved him into midfield. Now he's back at centre-half.

"He's improved a lot, but I just think he's one of those you look at and think he could do with a break.

"The only thing that will improve him further at the moment is a break. It's the same with Craig Hinton. He's played a lot of football."

Molby revealed that he was interested in signing Smith when he was in charge at Swansea City.

"I watched him when he was at Bromsgrove. If Swansea would have given me the money at the time that Kidderminster paid for him I would have taken him because I liked him.

"He was the first player I went out to watch after I had just taken over at Swansea. But he's improving and he tries to play. It doesn't always come off, but he'll be fine. I expect a big season from him next year.

"He'll have all that added experience of this season and he'll have more strength and he'll be fitter. He'll know what it takes now. That's the biggest thing for them all. I don't really think they knew what it takes.

"The first two or three months it's a doddle. They are all buzzing, we are going well in the league and they thought this is easy. Then all of a sudden you start losing and there's heavy pitches and loads of games.

"There's not enough time in between games to rest and then they start realising that it's not that easy. It's a great job, but it's not that easy."