MANAGER Gary Whild has called on Kidderminster Harriers to bounce back when they kick-off 2015 against Forest Green Rovers at Aggborough today (3pm).

Harriers are aiming to get back on track in their pursuit of the play-offs following Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to struggling Southport.

Only goal difference separates Whild’s seventh place side form the top five heading into the new year.

Kidderminster are also seeking a double over their rivals from Gloucestershire after beating Rovers 3-2 on Boxing Day at the New Lawn.

Whild is hoping Aman Verma, who bagged a brace against Rovers last week, and fellow midfielder Callum Gittings will have recovered from the knocks which forced them out of the Southport match.

The Harriers manager said: “The lads had been playing well and we’ve got to put the Southport result down to just one of those games.

“If I am being honest, we lacked the energy of the previous game and the pitch was also not very good but you can’t use that as an excuse.

“With two games in three days, it was always going to be difficult. Aman and Callum wanted to be ready.”

Captain Josh Gowling is also set to be out for up to four weeks after tearing medial ligaments in his knee.

Meanwhile, Harriers chairman Ken Rae has stressed that the club’s board of directors had nothing to do with the signing of the now de - parted Freddie Ladapo.

Ladapo was signed by previous manager Andy Thorn as a free agent but former chairman Mark Serrell agreed to pay his agents a five-figure fee in two instalments.