MATTHEW Gadsby is set to miss the chance for revenge against his former club as Kidderminster Harriers begin their Division Three campaign on Saturday.

The 23-year-old defender was released by Mansfield in the summer after being one of the victims of a turbulent relegation campaign for the Stags.

Gadsby has returned to training after missing four pre-season friendlies with tweaked knee ligaments but is expected to be too short of match fitness to be risked at Aggborough this weekend.

Ex-Harriers players Colin Larkin and Neil MacKenzie will be in the Mansfield squad to face former team-mates though as Harriers play their first competitive game in front of the new 2,040-seat Jono Smith stand.

Boss Ian Britton is remaining cautious ahead of the league opener and has warned avoiding defeat is the most important outcome.

Harriers aim to improve on last season's 11th place and should otherwise have a full squad to pick from.

At least five new signings, the returning Andy Bishop on loan, Adam Willis, Kenny Coleman, John Williams and Graham Ward, will be up for selection.

Britton, who is already decided on the first 11 he will field, admitted: "The main thing this weekend is that we don't lose. That will breed confidence.

"It's good to have the first fixture at home again but it will be difficult as Mansfield were relegated from Division Two and will be looking to bounce back quickly.

"There will be a couple of young players, Larkin and MacKenzie, returning and I would expect a good atmosphere on Saturday.

"Gadsby is fit again but that doesn't mean I will play him as he hasn't had the matches recently."

Formerly with Walsall, Gadsby only played 20 games for Mansfield last season and a source there admitted: "He was just at the club at the wrong time."

Bishop's return for an initial month after scoring five goals on loan with Harriers last season was expected but he may not be a long-term option for Britton.

His club Walsall have indicated they are just giving him a chance to regain fitness as a knee tendon problem has restricted his pre-season action.

The 20-year-old was keen to return to Kidderminster rather than being farmed out on loan to the Scottish League after enjoying his previous spell.

Harriers pay their first visit to Ipswich next Wednesday (7.45pm) for a Carling Cup first round tie.