NEW Kidderminster Harriers boss Ian Britton has pleaded with fans to give him a chance amid a mixed reaction to his appointment.

Britton signalled his intent to succeed by securing the futures of striker Ian Foster, keeper John Danby and Scott Stamps, who was linked with Cheltenham.

The player contract news will go some way to comforting those supporters who were expecting cash-strapped Harriers to pick a higher profile manager.

Britton declared: "The three players must have signed for some reason and it isn't the money.

"People have to realise what's going on at the club. We have to tighten our belts and you are not going to get a big-name manager. I expected a mixed reaction though.

"We have cash problems but they are not massive and everything's not going to go down the drain.

"I am hoping the supporters will realise that and will get behind me and the team.

"It's not all doom and gloom. I know the club and the players. One thing I'm definitely not is naive or stupid.

"It is no good moaning - what about giving me a chance?"

Britton's major task is to commit Richie Appleby to Aggborough and he will sit down again with the classy playmaker this week.

But other interested clubs, like Jan Molby's Hull who are also after former loan striker Colin Larkin, have more financial clout.

Appleby insists he is happy at Harriers but has been honest enough to confess a bigger cash offer would be tempting as he has a young family.

Britton admitted: "We have made him a generous offer considering but we cannot go matching whatever Hull will probably offer.

"It's down to him. Everyone wants him to stop, the players, the club, myself and the supporters.

"Signing Richie would be like the icing on the cake. But if it isn't going to be, then it isn't going to be."

Foster and Danby have signed on one-year contracts, while Stamps has accepted a deal for two years.

Britton said: "Stamps can be the best left-back in the Third Division if he puts his mind to it.

"He was happy to sign and didn't want to go anywhere else. I am convinced he can still do better and I have told him so.

"He's always been on the fringes of being a really good player and it's now up to him whether he wants to go all the way and do that. At 27, he's in his prime."

Britton added: "Foster has had his injuries but this season there's been less.

"He hasn't been played in his right position all the time but he was still top scorer.

"I think he could see what we might be doing with the team and the way it was going over those last four or five league games.

"Our forwards should be loving it as they are guaranteed getting two or three chances every game.

"Danby's only 18 and has good attributes, a big frame and kicks and handles well."