5/7/01 JAN Molby is hoping the son of a football legend will be the answer to his left-wing dilemma at Kidderminster Harriers.

Sam Shilton, whose father is ex-England goalkeeper Peter, has signed for Harriers in a two-year deal after his release from Hartlepool United.

The manager has often been lacking natural balance in midfield to help out left-back Scott Stamps and he hopes Shilton, 22, will solve the problem.

A natural winger converted to wing-back by Hartlepool, Shilton was a trainee at Plymouth Argyle before a £125,000 move to Coventry City and eight appearances for the then-Premiership side.

He is looking forward to a more attacking role at Kidderminster, close to his Solihull home.

With eight goals in 63 games during two successful seasons of reaching the play-offs at Hartlepool, Shilton is hopeful he can help his new club into the same zone - or at least the top ten.

And his famous father had some important advice as he explained: "My dad just wants me to start enjoying my football a bit more.

"I did have two good seasons at Hartlepool but the way they played didn't really suit me. That was the disappointing thing.

"But the way Jan said he wanted to play is attacking. Every player wants to play to their strengths and show their full potential.

"Hartlepool was a good experience for me and it went well but I want to push up the field a bit more.

"I believe I'm quite quick, I like to run with the ball, play off the front-men, get some crosses in and chip in with a few goals.

"The most important factor for me is to play at a club I feel comfortable with but it's a bit of a bonus to come back to the Midlands after being away for two years."

Shilton chose Harriers over Second Division Northampton and will link up again with former Coventry team-mates Daire Doyle and Andy Ducros.

He said: "I spoke to Northampton and it was a big decision but Harriers definitely wanted me here and every player needs that.

"After speaking to Jan, I was well impressed and wanted to sign.

"I'm looking forward to meeting up with the lads. I was with Andy at Coventry for four years and I know Daire as well. It will be nice to catch up with them.

"In fact, Andy and I made our first-team debut together against Crystal Palace when we drew 0-0."

After being involved in a 22-game unbeaten run at Hartlepool, Shilton knows what is needed for an ever-younger Harriers squad to impress.

He added: "There is a good young squad with a few experienced players.

"If you get a few young lads together, they will hopefully pull in the same direction and try to improve together.

"Kidderminster were doing quite well last season and just need to win those extra couple of games to push themselves into the top 10 and towards the play-offs.

"As I found out at Hartlepool, if you can get up the league it breeds confidence. The fans come out and struggling players suddenly do well.

"Even if you go a goal down in games, you think you can come back."