MANAGER Mark Yates has completely ruled out a playing comeback for Kidderminster Harriers, insisting: "I want better players than a 36-year-old who's past it!"

The Harriers midfield has been crying out for an experienced campaigner following the release of Terry Fleming and Martin O'Connor.

Yates in his prime would certainly have fitted the bill with successful stints in the Aggborough engine room in 1994 to 1999 and 2004.

But the Harriers boss has now confirmed that he will not be registered as a player during his first full season in charge.

"I certainly won't be playing again," said Yates.

"I've been working on the coaching side of things for two years now and that's where I get my kicks on a Saturday afternoon.

"I could possibly still be able to play but once you stop it's difficult to pick it back up.

"I played in the reserves for Burnley not that long ago but that's in the past.

"We don't need to be resorting to a 36-year-old Mark Yates who's past it, I want my squad to be better than I am."

With Russ Penn still lacking in experience and Jake Sedgemore taking on a utility role, Yates is aware of the need to strengthen the centre of midfield.

"I have been pursuing a ball player who is still at a league club but I've been knocked back because I think they have offered him new terms," he said.

"It's not completely dead but I'm moving on to other targets and I should be meeting a couple of lads later this week.

"The PFA list came out this week so that has given us more players to think about so I'm confident we'll get a few more on board soon."

With John Danby joining Chester and Dan Lewis also surplus to Harriers' requirements, the club are still in the market for an experienced keeper to compete for the number one jersey with former AFC Telford rookie Steve Taylor.

Yates is also thought to be keen on another attacker, possibly with pace to complement the strength and workrate of Andy White and Luke Reynolds.

More defensive cover is also on the wishlist of the manager who wants to increase his squad to 17 or 18 players.

"We've got 11 at the moment and I'm looking for another six or seven depending on who we bring in," he added.

"It's a little bit frustrating at the moment because things have stopped moving but I was a player myself a couple of years ago, so I understand that people want to keep their options open.

"I'm hopeful we'll have 15 or 16 by the time we return to pre-season training in July and then there will be scope to bring in a couple who become available late on."

One man who will not be lining up for Harriers next season is player-of-the-season Johnny Mullins with the released Reading defender opting to stay in the league with Mansfield Town.