EXPERIENCED left-back Kevin Nicholson has joined Kidderminster Harriers on the eve of the new season.

The 33-year-old, who featured in both the warm-up games against Shrewsbury Town and Cheltenham Town, has agreed non-contract terms at Aggborough.

His signature is likely to be the last piece in the jigsaw for manager Gary Whild as he attempts to guide Harriers back to the Football League, starting with tomorrow’s Vanarama Conference opener at Lincoln City (3pm).

Nicholson has played more than 300 times for Torquay United and also had spells with Notts County and Sheffield Wednesday earlier in his career.

However, Harriers have been unable to offer him a contract due to financial restraints in the wake of the resignations of directors and benefactors Ernie and Kath Lane.

Nicholson said: “The club have welcomed me in and have given me what it can at this time – and that’s a platform to play.

“The issue at the moment is playing. I do want to stay here and if the manager had put a two-year contract in front of me today, I’d have signed it no questions asked because the set-up is right.

“There wouldn’t have been a discussion, but I know the limitations at the moment so we’re doing the best with what we’ve got and that is no problem.”

Harriers fell short of the play-offs last season, following a turbulent term which saw Steve Burr sacked in January and successor Andy Thorn shown the door in March.

But Whild, who was assistant to Burr, has steadied the ship while bringing in experienced strikers Craig Reid and Reece Styche, and is targeting honours.

The Harriers boss said: “I’ve been fortunate that my time at Harriers has been successful and while we haven’t got promoted, we’ve been up there and challenging and we want to be doing the same this year.

“There are six or eight teams looking at getting promoted and we should be looking at going up because of the nucleus of the squad.

“It is always difficult for relegated teams so it will be hard for Torquay and Bristol Rovers but Grimsby, Forest Green and Gateshead are all strong clubs.”