MARK Creighton says Kidderminster Harriers’ players have returned for pre-season looking in good shape.

The squad reported back for training with the assistant manager revealing all of them had observed their summer training regimes.

Players have already had their fitness levels carefully assessed by Rejuvenate’s Hypoxi Studio on Mill Street in Kidderminster but the hard work starts today, with training getting into full swing.

“People talk about players doing the hard yards at this stage of pre-season because in the past footballers spent their six weeks off doing nothing,” said Creighton.

“But I am happy to say that our players stuck to their training programmes and have come back looking in good shape.

“Pre-season is definitely going to be hard work but we won’t be doing any hikes around Wyre Forest.”

With manager Gary Whild away, Creighton and player/coach Josh Gowling will take a youthful side to Littleton on Saturday (3pm ko).

Harriers then go to Solihull Moors on Tuesday night (7pm ko).

The Reds’ fixtures for the 2014-15 season are also set to be revealed at 3pm tomorrow.

Meanwhile, striker Anthony Malbon has left the club by mutual consent. The 22-year-old scored 35 goals in 107 appearances since joining in January 2012, from Newcastle Town for a figure of £7,000.

His time at Harriers was punctuated by prolific spells and long periods without a goal.

Despite being linked with Stalybridge Celtic, he is thought to be interesting several clubs.

“It wasn’t an easy decision but I have to think about my career,” said Malbon.

“My only concern is to be playing football in my main position and I don’t want to be in midfield or on the right.

“The fans have been absolutely brilliant, I could not thank them enough for their support. They made me love the club and Harriers will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Harriers already boast forwards Reece Styche, Craig Reid, Michael Gash, Nathan Blissett, Ahmed Obeng, and Freddie Ladapo.

Whild said: “Anthony has obviously done very well since joining us and had scored a lot of very important goals.

“But with the way the squad was shaping up for the new season it was clear his first-team opportunities might be a bit more limited.

“The club has always been good to Anthony and in the circumstances it seemed only fair to allow him to leave and pursue a new."