KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Gary Whild has called on supporters to get behind his side for Saturday’s kick-off against highrollers Grimsby Town.

Whild believes the Grimsby game is an excellent fixture to open with, especially as the Mariners are fancied to lift the Vanarama National League crown.

He insisted: “People are well aware of the financial restraints we face but there’s a great deal of positivity about the club at the moment and things are becoming much more upbeat.

“I’m delighted with the group of lads we’ve put together.

“We’ve got a good mix who are blending well together, but there’s a bit of flair in there as well.

“Grimsby are likely to arrive at Aggborough with a big following – and that’s where we need our supporters to come and back the lads because that can play a big part.”

Whild has boosted his squad with goalkeeper Dean Snedker agreeing to a deal after a successful trial period.

The former Northampton Town youngster, 20, has spent the summer at Aggborough and put in impressive performances against West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City.

He’d been a free agent since departing Brackley Town at the end of last season.

Snedker said: “I’m happy to get it done and dusted and am looking forward to cracking on with the season.

“Pre-season has flown by and I am ready – Kidderminster are a good club and hopefully I can push on from here.”

Whild said: “Dean was very highly thought of at Northampton, but for some reason he lost his way for a while and finished up at Brackley Town last season in Conference North.

“Alex (Palmer) picked up a bit of an injury in pre-season so that has given Dean the opportunity to get ahead, but there’s not much to choose between them.”