EXPERIENCED midfielders Mark Yates and Sean Parrish were both a whisker away from gaining a new contract with Kidderminster Harriers.

The duo were among nine players released from Aggborough in Jan Molby's end-of-season cull which paves the way for a major team rebuilding exercise.

But it is believed Yates, who played a vital role in helping Harriers avoid relegation from Division Three, would be welcome to join the club for pre-season training if he does not find pastures new.

Defenders Chris McHale and Abdou Sall have penned two and one-year deals respectively but four other players offered new contracts will wait until Molby returns from holiday next week before giving their answers.

Keeper John Danby and left-back Steve Burton are expected to sign their two-year extensions but long-serving Craig Hinton and Dean Bennett could well attract interest from league rivals.

Harriers assistant boss Gary Barnett admitted: "Hinton and Bennett have been offered contracts for two years.

"I think other people are aware of the strengths and capabilities that they can add to the squad but we want to try and keep them here.

"We have offered them the best we can. They have played probably the best football of their careers under the gaffer. It's down to them to make decisions now.

"One of the decisions that was in the balance until very late on was with Yates who has surprised quite a few people, including myself, with the way he has performed. But I don't believe the door has been fully shut on him.

"Parrish was near enough in the same boat as Yates with it going down to the wire. He's one of those pros you'd have no hesitation in recommending. I just hope someone keeps his career going."

Stuart Brock, Scott Stamps, Matt Gadsby, John Williams, Graham Ward, Adam Willis and Kenny Coleman were also released.

Harriers have drawn up a hitlist of potential signings to fill a squad which it is hoped will also be involved in a Midlands midweek reserve league next season.

But Molby has already revealed he expects to be working with a smaller budget than the season just gone.

Barnett added: "When we were last here we knew McHale could play but he wasn't one we pencilled in for the future.

"But he's been pleasantly surprising in training and has worked very hard. He has played some matches for Stratford this season and was at Birmingham City when he was younger.

"Sall has acquitted himself very well and really impressed us with his attitude. He deserves another chance."

Harriers are yet to confirm their pre-season friendly list but will entertain Walsall on Saturday, July 24, and Wolves on Wednesday, July 28.

They also plan to head to county rivals Worcester on Monday, July 26, and Redditch on Saturday, July 31.