FORMER Worcester City defender Mark Shail is to sign for Football League newcomers Kidderminster Harriers.

Kidderminster boss Jan Molby has moved in on the 32-year-old following his release from Bristol City.

Molby is also poised to clinch a two-year deal with Swansea City striker Tony Bird and former Wales captain Barry Horne will also sign when his contract with Sheffield Wednesday expires on July 1.

Shail, who trained with Kidderminster at the end of last season, and Bird will also put pen to paper when their current contracts end on the same day.

Molby, meanwhile, was due to sign a new four-year contract later today keeping him at Aggborough until the end of the 2005 season.

During his time with Worcester, Shail was regularly attracting attention from Football League clubs and at one stage in the mid-1980s was wanted by Kidderminster.

The former England semi-professional left Worcester for Yeovil Town before being transferred to Bristol City for £45,000 in March 1993.

He was awarded the captaincy within six months and led the side to their 1-0 FA Cup triumph over Liverpool at Anfield in January, 1994.

Since the end of the 1994-5 campaign his career has been hampered by knee problems and his only appearance last term was as a substitute on the opening day.

"He's over his knee trouble now," said Molby, who also has one or two other irons in the fire as part of his aim to bolster Kidderminster's squad.