MARK Creighton believes hotly-tipped Grimsby Town are the perfect way to start the 2015-16 Vanarama National League season.

Kidderminster Harriers welcome the Mariners to Aggborough on Saturday, August 8 to begin what is a testing first month.

Grimsby, who lost a close play-off final to Bristol Rovers in May, are tipped by many to win the league.

Harriers certainly face a testing opening period, including trips to Gateshead and Dover as well as tackling other highly-fancied sides Wrexham, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere.

Harriers face relegated rivals Cheltenham Town, in a mouth-watering Christmas doubleheader.

“Grimsby are a good side and one of the favourites for promotion but we’ll be underdogs and we can use that to our advantage,” said Harriers’ assistant manager.

“They will also bring a few fans and that will mean there’s also more money in the pot.”

Preparations for the new campaign have started in earnest, with two youthful line-ups recording 2-0 wins over Romulus on Saturday and Bedworth United on Tuesday night.

Jake Green and Mauritius-born forward Amadou Alassane scored in Birmingham, while youth team player Dan Sweeney and hopeful George Cator hit the back of the net at The Oval.

Harriers will take another youthful squad to Stourport Swifts on Saturday (3pm ko).

Creighton said: “Even though the more experienced guys haven’t played, they have put in good shifts and being doing double sessions.

“Luke Maxwell, Jake Green and Dan Sweeney have all impressed, but that’s why we have them here.”

Alassane’s trial at Kidderminster has raised eyebrows. The 32-year-old scored 32 goals for French outfit LeHavre, was once valued at £1.5 million and spent a week on trial at Celtic 2009.

The forward returned to France this week but may come back for training tomorrow, but the club are not hopeful of securing his services.

Creighton also confirmed he and manager Gary Whild are keen to bolster the squad but must be patient because of their small budget.

He said: “It’s interesting to see what players come our way, but it’s also a matter of are we able to bring them in?

“We know what areas we’d like to improve and if we have to shuffle things around, we will.

“The longer pre-season goes on, the more desperate players will get and you never know who will come up on our radar.”

Meanwhile, Harriers’ pre-season home clash against Birmingham City on July 18 is an all-ticket affair (12.30pm ko) and fans must purchase them from the club shop.