NEW Kidderminster Harriers coach Tim Flowers says manager Gary Whild's influence in some of the club's recent success stories should not be underestimated.

Whild was installed in the Aggborough hot-seat last week and former England and Blackburn Rovers keeper Flowers was the first addition to his backroom staff.

The 47-year-old, who won the Premier League during his Ewood Park days, has been impressed with Whild's knowledge of the local grassroots scene, which has produced a wealth of talent for Harriers.

By tapping into the lower reaches of the non-league game, Whild, along with former Kidderminster boss Steve Burr, unearthed the likes of striker Jamille Matt from Sutton Coldfield Town and Joe Lolley from Littleton.

Between them, the pair bagged more than 30 goals for the club and were eventually sold for a combined total of £550,000 - Matt to Fleetwood in January 2013 and Lolley to Huddersfield six weeks ago.

Striker Anthony Malbon, defender Chey Dunkley and midfield duo Jack Byrne and captain Kyle Storer have also been plucked from the lower leagues in recent times.

Flowers said: "He's a football man and a student of the game, especially around this area.

"He's got a fantastic eye for a player and the Kidderminster fans will know that recently there's been some tremendous young players playing for the first team and some have gone for major money.

"Gary's been very much in the mix in terms of spotting these kids."

Whild, who has also added former Harriers skipper Mark Creighton to his coaching team, has so far led Harriers to four points from two games and will be looking to build on that at home to Barnet today (3pm).

On Creighton's arrival, the Kidderminster boss said: "I think he'll be very useful with his experience in this league and the league above. He's also well liked here and was a good servant."