STUART Watkiss has continued his Kidderminster Harriers revolution by snapping up former Aggborough loan striker Gary Birch following his release from Walsall.

The signing is a coup for Harriers who beat off competition from more than half a dozen clubs for the 23-year-old frontman's signature.

Bristol Rovers striker Richard Walker rejected a move to Harriers for financial reasons. Birch becomes the new manager's third signing since he took charge a fortnight ago, joining Simon Weaver and Chris Beardsley. He has signed on a free transfer until the end of the season.

"He's a player that I've seen since he was 16," said Watkiss. "When he was playing for the Walsall youth team and I was in charge of the Mansfield youth team he caught my eye because he stood out from everybody else at that level.

"With Walsall being one of my former clubs I've followed him very closely. He's a big, strong centre forward who has got goals in him and in our position we need goals.

"I'm sure he'll be a valuable asset to us and the fact he had seven or eight clubs after him shows how highly-rated he is.

"He chose to come to Kidderminster which shows how keen and up for the battle he is."

Birch said: "I'm sad to be leaving Walsall after spending all of my career there but I'm excited about the challenge here.

"I'm sure Kidderminster can pull away from danger because if I didn't believe that I wouldn't have signed."

Harriers paved the way for the capture of the Brummie striker by releasing Frederic Advice-Desruisseaux by mutual consent.

After a bright start, the French midfielder has failed to make his mark at the club and joins fellow countryman Youssou Diop in finally leaving Aggborough this week.

"We have come to a full agreement with the two French lads and they both leave with our best wishes," said Watkiss.

"We thought it would be better to free up a bit of money for somebody more suitable. We don't think their style of football is suited to the situation we're in."

Long- term casualties Iyseden Christie and Reuben Hazell are still some way off a return to action.

Christie will be at the club for rehabilitation next week, while Hazell, who is still eight weeks away from fitness, will continue to split his treatment between Aggborough and Lilleshall.

Watkiss hopes new defender Weaver, who was forced off with a gash to his head in Saturday's win over Rochdale will recover in time for this weekend's trip to Cheltenham after having butterfly stitches removed.

Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke's loan from Bristol Rovers has been extended for another month after John Danby broke down in training with his foot injury.

The players have been taking spinning classes on bikes at Fitness First on Stourport Road as part of their new training regime.