GARY Barnett believes there will be no excuses if Kidderminster Harriers' contracted eight are unprepared for Conference action.

The players report back for pre-season training in less than two weeks after keeping to a rigid schedule during the summer.

They have been checking in at Aggborough to ensure tip-top condition, despite the club's current inability to put out a first 11.

But Barnett insisted the strict summer regime was not to punish the players for the first relegation in Harriers' history.

The club's assistant boss said: "The gaffer gave them all seven weeks off, but they have to report to the club for five out of those seven Wednesdays for fitness tests and to have their weight checked.

"It is by no means a punishment for them. It can be very easy for players to put on weight during the summer break, especially when you consider their bodies are used to intense physical activity for the other 40-odd weeks of the year.

"We take them down the gym to do an hour's intensive work-out and make sure they are not putting any weight on while they are away from the club.

"It's important these players return for pre-season training not having to play catch-up with their fitness."

Manager Stuart Watkiss has returned from holiday and is desperate to add to his squad though many players are still contracted with clubs until the end of June.

He is still waiting to hear on the outcome of take-over talks between owner Lionel Newton and a consortium involving vice-chairman Barry Norgrove and retired businessman Neil Savery.

Harriers' contracted eight: John Danby, Danny Lewis; Steve Burton, Chris McHale, Wayne Hatswell, Mark Jackson; Simon Russell; Iyseden Christie. Out-of-contract: Chris Beardsley, Dean Keates, Mark Rawle.