BOSS Ian Britton believes Kidderminster Harriers have enough strength in depth to mount a serious challenge for a Nationwide League Division Three play-off spot this season.

His side, boosted recently by an influx of new players, launched their fourth campaign in the Football League today with a clash against Mansfield Town at Aggborough.

Britton said: "People wrote us off last season and they have done it again. I haven't a problem with that. We have to try to get into the play-offs and I believe we certainly have got the talent to do that."

The Aggborough chief knows, however, that the coming campaign will produce its twists and turns and that the bigger name clubs are going to be major rivals.

He said: "I think Hull, Northampton and Bristol Rovers will be up there at the end of the season."

On Wednesday, however, his new-look side will be able to demonstrate their cup credentials when they travel to take on First Division outfit Ipswich Town at Portman Road in the first round of the newly sponsored Carling Cup (7.45pm).

They will be hoping to produce a better performance in the compet-ition than they did last season when they lost 4-0 at Nottingham Forest.

The Tractormen were playing in the UEFA Cup in 2002-3 and the Premiership the season before that, but had a clear-out in the summer to help ease their financial burden.