MARK Creighton is looking forward to learning the fine art of football management from Harriers boss Gary Whild and former England keeper Tim Flowers.

The 32-year-old joined Kidderminster’s coaching set-up this week after retiring last year because of a serious knee injury.

The uncompromising defender was a fans’ favourite at Aggborough during his three years at the club, helping them reach the FA Trophy final in 2007 and the FA Cup Third Round a year later.

Now he’s hoping to leave an indelible mark at Kidderminster having begun his UEFA B licence qualifications as well as running his tattoo parlour, called Raw Ink, in Wales.

He said: “I am very lucky to be working with two great coaches.

“Gary is a leader, his desire and passion are immense and the players respond to that.

“He wants the players to express themselves and in training last Friday, there were big smiles on everyone’s faces.

“Tim has lots of experience as a coach and it’s great to work with someone who has played for England and the Premier League.

“I can learn a lot from the both of them. Out of the three of us, I am the only one who has played in the Conference and I know the players and teams very well.

“I was also a player just a few months ago so remember what it’s like. As long as they give 100 per cent then you can’t ask for anything more.”

Creighton got his first taste of senior action from the dugout on Tuesday night when Harriers defeated Macclesfield 2-1.

Victory kept their play-off hopes alive in the Skrill Premier and they take on fifth-placed Barnet at home on Saturday (3pm ko).

Since Edgar Davids left as boss and director of football Paul Fairclough took over as interim manager, the Bees had won five matches in a row before defeats to Gateshead and Woking stalled their momentum.

But Creighton, who won promotion to the Football League with Oxford United, feels Harriers can still make the end of season promotion party.

He said: “Any team who can put a run together and make the play-offs will go into them with momentum.

“I remember at Oxford, we’d had a tough December but by the end of February had got going again and we brushed aside Rushden in the semi-finals and then defeated York.

“Any team putting results together now will certainly have a chance.”

Hopes are high striker Michael Gash will play some part after spending three weeks out injured with a hamstring injury.

Winger Adrian Cieslewicz looks as though he will be involved after the injury sustained against the Silkmen was not as bad as first thought.

Fans unable to make the clash can follow all the action with The Shuttle’s live match updates which will have team news before the 3pm ko.