KIDDERMINSTER Harriers must have a close relationship with their powerful Premiership neighbours if they intend to survive in the Football League.

That's the firm belief of Aggborough chairman Colin Youngjohns who is convinced cash-strapped clubs like Harriers need to 'tap in' to talented players who are available on loan from top flight outfits.

The type of player he highlights is John Melligan who has returned to Kidderminster on a month's loan from Wolves.

The talented midfielder spent a lengthy and successful loan spell at Aggborough last season and was back in a Harriers shirt again on Saturday, producing a man-of-the-match display against struggling Carlisle United.

The Irish U21 international's impressive efforts inspired his team-mates to a 2-1 Nationwide League Division Three triumph which ended a run of nine games without a win.

Melligan's performance backed up Youngjohns' view that such loan deals are ideal for Kidderminster and their crop of illustrious neighbours.

He said: "For over 100 years Harriers like other peripheral provincial town clubs have suffered supportwise for our close proximity to Wolves, Blues, Albion and Villa. However, our elevation to Football League status makes us welcome bedfellows for our powerful neighbours regarding the development of their best young players.

"It is an arrangement that benefits all parties as it provides Harriers with the opportunity to 'tap in' to one of the largest pools of developing talent in the country, while providing the players with vital competitive experience at a high level.

"The geographical closeness that has been the bane of our lives for generations now becomes our most valuable asset as Aggborough is only a short car journey from all Premiership clubs and enables them to keep a close eye on their proteges' development.

"Another very central reason why our neighbours are keen to further this relationship is that they are impressed with the way our club is run and are happy that their young players are encouraged to acquire and display the best professional habits while at Aggborough."

Youngjohns recently visited Wolves for talks with their top brass to see how Harriers can further develop the already close relationship which exists between the two clubs.